Twas the Night before Christmas

My children are having such a hard time going to sleep this evening. I keep telling them the later mom gets to bed, the later we open presents in the morning. It doesn't seem to be helping, and I can't say I blame them. I remember the excitement as a child waiting for Christmas morning to come, and it never came fast enough. The rule in our house is you are allowed to get your stocking as soon you get up in the morning, the rest waits atleast until we read the Christmas story. My boys are excited as they will be helping hubby read this year. Christmas Eve has been an evening of fun. We were supposed to watch the Nutcracker, but due to time watched Veggietales Star of Christmas. It was very cute, I actually had tears in my eyes at the end. We followed that up with a birthday cake for Jesus (which my daughter had prepared). We talked about what gifts we can give Jesus, and it was interesting to listen to the kid's ideas for this. I had printed up some Christmas-themed games (bingo,ect.), and then we made snowflakes. I could tell my boys were not overly excited about the snowflake idea- that is until they unfolded them. I had downloaded some patterns and they made lovely snowflakes with really simple cuts. Anyway, it was more fun than it probably sounds. Then for the most anticipated part of the evening- opening the Christmas eve present. I informed my kids I had misplaced these gifts; fortunately I did have some clues for them to find them with. And so ensued our scavenger hunt. We had so much fun with this, and we loved watching them work together. The gifts were among some clothes in my clothes dryer. My oldest was looking so earnestly for the clues cards that he forgot what he was actually after. I asked him if he could find the clue in there; he replied "no mom, theres just some clothes and presents in here!" He laughed and laughed when he realized it was the end. They want to do it again next year, and so I quess we have a new tradition. We had our little feast by the tree of Hot chocolate and miscellaneous snacks, and then hubby read Twas the night before Christmas. I followed that up with a story of Christmas in 1776, and then we "hung the stockings by the chimney with care" (minus the chimney). My kids said this was definitely the best Christmas Eve ever. So there you have it in a big nutshell. Wait! What is that I hear? My house is actually silent now. So I will wish you all a peaceful and Merry Christmas~