A Christmas Extravaganza

Every year is the same around here

(I love that!)

and Christmas isn't just a day...

it's an extravaganza!

Day One starts at my grandmother's house.

A Christmas Eve celebration where --

children are free to entertain themselves,

talents are shared,
and ornaments are opened...
lots of REALLY beautiful ornaments,
each one a celebration in itself.

Day two is Christmas morning.

And guess what....

SANTA came!
and even though he didn't bring a baby sister
(my own secret wish a few years back),
he did seem to hit the mark!
(No, the dalmation wasn't real,
but almost real in his own little online world.) And the traditions continued
(my favorite part)...




matching Christmas jammies
(the only gift opened on Christmas Eve),

a toothbrush in every stocking

(the big guy is SO smart!),

leftover crumbs from a yummy midnight (or 3 a.m) snack

(no time for neatness with millions of kids to visit!),

and sweetness and love for breakfast!

After Christmas dinner with my hubby's delightful family,

Day three begins -

A "Day-After-Christmas Party" at Grandma's house

(so she doesn't have to compete with the in-laws),
where we take an annual Christmas picture of the cousins,

and have what seems to be the annual post-picture dog pile.

This is followed by special gifts for each child.

Grandma is so careful about checking their lists,

and each child gets several gifts

picked especially for them.

My mom is so clever --

She loads the children's gifts

on one half of the tree.

And after they speedily race through,

here is what's left...

gifts for the adults!

And we take our time,

and open each one with care,

and admire what others receive.

It's so fun.

So MUCH fun.

3 days of fun.

No wonder it has taken me so long to recover!