The Day After Christmas

Jared's family Christmas party was held this year at his parents home the day after Christmas. The house was packed with adults and kids even though two siblings were unable to attend (they live out of state). Once again we gathered around the dinner table to feed our faces. What would the holidays be like without food? Jared enjoyed dessert most because we had a handful of pies to pick from. After dinner we talked, played games, and the kids wrestled and played in the snow.

Christmas Day

One benefit of being just the two of us is that Christmas Day is mellow and relaxing. We get up whenever we wake up. This year we actually showered and made ourselves look good before we opened any gifts. Amy wore her new velvet pajama pants with a sparkling sweater. Very festive. Our most interesting gift was matching overnight camping backpacks. Now we can blaze the long trails and sleep under the stars anyplace that we can hike to. We are very excited to try them out this summer.

We also went over the the Hall house to see them open gifts - they had barely rolled out of bed and Amy's niece had hilarious Christmas morning hair. She also received way too many gifts. The joy of being young. We all had a big breakfast including Belgian waffles, french toast and sausage.

Christmas Eve Party

For as long as Amy can remember Christmas Eve was spent at her Grandma Jackie's house. Since we have been married we have added Grandma Jackie's party as one of our Christmas traditions. Of course, for dinner we had ham, twice baked potatoes and rolls. There were other side dishes, but who can keep track. Once we had eaten more than we should, we gathered to sing Christmas songs and to read the Christmas story from the Bible. Santa Clause even had time to drop off some presents for the young kids on the front porch. This family gathering is one of our favorite parts of Christmas.