{A Quiet Christmas Eve}

This year was our Families first Christmas with just us. No extended family, just the five of us. I was really nervous about this, thinking I was going to be really sad and depressed, but I wasn't. Jon had to work the day of Christmas Eve. He did luckily get home around 6:30. This was very much expected I knew I would have to face some times not being with him, but I didn't want it to happen the first year. It would of been great for him to be home all day, but I felt really lucky having him home for the main event. Besides me in the girls were very much occupied with preparing, cooking, decorating even playing a lot of fun Christmas Games. I knew I needed to have some alone cooking time, so I made each child their very own activity Christmas book and other Christmas games. It worked very well and shockingly the day was perfect, no melt downs (I'm speaking of myself, but the girls didn't have any either).  An hour before Jon was suppose to be home you could feel the wonderful spirit of Christmas. Everything was coming together and it then that I realized you don't need a room full of people, but just being around the ones you love is all you need. This year more than any other year perhaps because it was so quiet it was easy to feel the spirit of Christmas. I was too overjoyed this evening to even start to begin to miss my family. Even though they were in my thoughts I wouldn't change this day for another one.

My kids seem to get excited over anything. They were super excited when I bought these plates so they had to hold them up for the picture. Here is when Jon came home and the food was all ready to eat.

Christmas Eve's 

Dinner Snack 

Menu Included:

Mom's homemade Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Mom's Peppermint Ice-Cream Punch

Shrimp w/ cocktail sauce

Cheesy Roll-ups (kids favorite)

Jalapeno Peppers (to satisfy my cravings)

 Veggies w/ homemade Ranch Dressing

Cheese-ball & Crackers

Cheese & Chutney Dip

Jello-Jigglers (100% made by the girls)

Clementines

Desserts:

Homemade Caramel

Homemade Chocolate Caramel Dipped Pretzel Rods

Homemade Chocolate dipped Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Chocolate dipped Caramel Marshmallow Sticks (New this year)

Sweets we received from Neighbors & Friends

Here are the crazy gals snacking away.

After the Yumminess we played more games and then a surprise visitor came to see the children.

Alix didn't think Santa knew to come to our new home. She was so excited. This year we didn't put any presents under the tree. Our focus didn't want to be about the presents and Santa. This year we really wanted it to be about Christ.  The girls completely forgot about Santa visiting on Christmas Eve so it was a fun surprise for everyone.

Addison was a little nervous but very excited about Santa being here. After receiving her gift from Santa she cuddled up to me and whispers "Santa knows my name!" 

 This picture shows {MB} a bit nervous but she loved Santa.

That Wraps up our Wonderful Christmas Eve!