Jeff and I had a wonderful Christmas vacation spending time with both of our families - it helps that they live just a few miles from each other!
If I had to choose one way to describe the way Jeff's family does Christmas it would be TRADITION. Now my family had traditions (i.e. eating pizza by candlelight and opening one gift on Christmas Eve), but not like Jeff's family. There is a definite order to the numerous festivities that are going on, starting with the video camera session in the sewing room, to preparing bagged goodies for the neighbors, to Christmas dinner, etc.
One of the main events of the evening is reading the story of the Nativity and acting it out. Although most of the siblings switch roles from year to year, Jeff has been Joseph every single year they have done it. And he does a good job, if I do say so. :)
Having a laugh before dinner
Me and my parents before the feast
Me and Jeff - Mary and Joseph
Shallie the sheep and her shepherd, Jesse
Rob and Jolie - our angel and heavenly host!
My parents as the wise men
After the Nativity is singing Christmas songs, opening your gift, and getting your piggy back ride upstairs. Christmas morning begins promptly at 6am, lining up by age order to go down and see your Santa gifts, then taking turns opening each gift. Next comes the big Christmas breakfast - yum! And there you go - it's 9am and you have the whole rest of the day to nap, play with your gifts, nap, etc.
Last year my family started a new tradition of having dinner on Christmas night at my sister's house. Shannon and Ted helped us keep the tradition alive this year by having us over and we had a great time.
Me and my nephew, Porter
My whole family - not the best quality, but you do what you can with the self timer.
OUTTAKE!
And one more thing - something I love about Jeff is the creative way he wraps my Christmas gifts. It makes me happy. :)