Christmas With the Wiser's

Christmas Eve:

We have made the tradition since we were first married to have stew Christmas Eve, read Luke chapter 2, and have a little testimony meeting. After that we open pajama's and books. As we've had kids things have changed a little each year to help our kids learn and understand more. Our stew has changed to taco soup then to a different kind of stew, and now to a chowder everyone eats and looks forward to eating- a beef bacon and potato chowder. We used to watch the Luke 2 video so the kids could picture the story easier, now we have gone back to reading it and talking a little about it. Bearing our testimonies has been a great opportunity to let the kids know how thankful we are for our Savior.

The pajamas and books have stayed the same- and the kids LOVE them! I was surprised to find out Darrell and the girls got me a Nook this year!!!

We also set out our Christmas Blanket that has been passed through the entire family for the month of December- we leave the treats for Santa and food for the reindeer's out on it. This is a great tradition with a little poem that goes with it- if you want it let me know!

Christmas Morning:

The kids aren't allowed to get up until 7 am- which is utter torture to them! This year Baylee woke up throwing up much earlier unfortunately. After she threw up she kept asking where Santa was- Carly had told her over and over he was coming. She threw up on our Christmas Blanket and the empty plate we had left for Santa, while I was walking with her to go get her sisters early. The girls only ended up getting up minutes early but were thrilled with it.
Traditional pictures with gifts from Santa and stockings made by Grandma Pugmire:

We opened all gifts from Santa then ate our traditional ham and hash brown casserole for breakfast. After another throwing up episode from Bays we finished opening presents.

It's amazing every year that after months of planning- it's all over in a couple hours. I love the excitement in the kids eyes as they come down the stairs- the fun- the giggles- and especially how nice everyone is to each other! The highlight gifts for the kids would be their new boots and slipper boots, the basketball hoop, camera (Lexi), video camera(Ashlee), Barbies(Carly), and the motorized quad(Baylee). Is it crazy that I'm already counting down for Christmas again??!