Christmas Eve Tradition

This is the third year in a row that we've had Chinese food for dinner on Christmas Eve. Well, technically the first year it wasn't Christmas Eve, but we were stranded in a hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina and we ordered Chinese and then last year we were in a hotel at the airport in Boston and thought we might as well make it a tradition. This year we branched out a bit and got Japanese, but it's close enough and so fun to have a little tradition.

Our day was so great. We spent the morning lazing about, watching Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure and doing Christmas crafts including decorating some bags to put cookies in that we delivered to neighbors. After Lennon's nap we played out in the snow and followed some animal tracks through the woods in the snow. After dinner we bundled up and went to sprinkle the Reindeer food we made on our front lawn so Santa wouldn't miss our house then we hopped in the car with our hot chocolate to go look at Christmas lights. Mia and I did this last year while Shelby stayed home with sleeping Lennon. The kids both had a blast, especially Lennon. Once home, the kids put out cookies, milk and water for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Mia also left him a nice home made glittery card then we read The Night Before Christmas and the kids went to sleep - both in Lennon's room. They were very excited to sleep in the same room and to get to sleep as soon as possible so that Santa could come.

Lennon usually makes some kind of demand as we're leaving his room at night for another animal or something. Tonight this was how it went.

"Mommy? ARe you going to bed too?"

"Yes."

"Close my door."

Super easy. Super fun. I am sooo excited that Santa is coming!!!