Christmas Eve Traditions

Several years ago, as we were all getting married and dividing our time with our in-laws for the holidays, my mom decided to celebrate Christmas a day early so we could all be together. Now, each year on December 23rd, we all gather at her house for Christmas Eve.

Instead of doing a big dinner, we have lots of yummy finger foods and desserts. Here is Stephen and Jason helping me finish frosting my sugar cookies before we left for my parent's house.

Austin and AshlynJeff, Rick and Jason
Ashlyn and Tara
Grandma, Jason, Colton, Justin, Danale, Stephen

My parent's neighborhood has turned into Christmas tree lane! Each year we go on a "sleigh" ride to look at all the lights and sing Christmas carols. This year, the horse driver (I don't know what else to call him), had surgery and wasn't able to take us. My mom found some guys with a truck and a flat bed trailer who were offering rides and giving the proceeds to a charity. We decided it was the next best thing.Jessica, Bill, Ashlyn, Skyler, Stephen Austin, Tara, Ashlyn, JasonChris, Jessica, Grandpa (Bill), Ashlyn
Santa was at one of the houses in the neighborhood, so we stopped for a visit.
Skyler, Santa, Lauren, Sequoia Santa and Jessica
Ashlyn wasn't too sure about Santa!Jason, Ashlyn and Santa
Another Christmas Eve tradition, is having the kids act out the Christmas story. I'm hoping Jen got some better pictures than I did!

Sequoia and Lauren as Angels, Wes as Joseph, and Jessica as Mary
Jessica as Mary

The kids were funny this year. Wes and Jessica gave each other a hard time and teased about being married to each other. When Garrett showed up as a wise man, he and Wes greeted each other with "knuckles"!

Grandpa and Grandma enjoying the program

Danale and Ashlyn

I love the holidays!