A Quiet Christmas at Home

Since this blog is somewhat of a personal journal,
I thought I would post a little recap of our quiet family times
this past Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We did have extended family visits at various other
times throughout the season,
but, for the 24 hour period
late in the afernoon on Christmas Eve
until early evening on Christmas Day
we were alone as a family.
It was lovely.

On Christmas Eve each year we have a tradition.
Actually, we have a few.

We light the candles.
We (Howie) light(s) the fire.
We (I) make appetizers.

And then...

We eat in the livingroom in front of the crackling fire
while Christmas music plays in the background.

Maybe, toward the end of this year,
I will do a post on the menu,
as it is a special part of our traditions.

But, for now...
you will just find the photos
and the commentary.

This is our view from the couch ~
After the food has been eaten
and the kids have been tucked into bed.
I *love* the glow of firelight and candles!

The next morning...
Christmas Day!

We gather, once again, in the livingroom and
have a Christmas morning devotional centering on
the LORD's first coming.
Isn't it beautiful to remember that amazing event?

I forgot to take a picture prior to any gift-opening,
so we took a break mid-stream for the requisite *memory* photo...
for Mum! :)

Handmade cards and notes are a favourite!

Our children shopped secretly this year...
so precious!

Emma opening her disguised gift ~
the boys wrapped their gift to her so as to keep it a secret.
They did a very, very good job!

A plush headed hobby horse ~
next best to the *real* thing!
(Emma *loves* horses)

We are Vancouver Canucks Fans (of course)!

Gigantic colouring books for Fraser and Emma...
I think Fraser is really past this, but he humoured his Mummy anyway ~
wasn't that sweet?

Austin has been doing
stop-animation photography
recently and he was thrilled with a mini-tripod...
he looks thrilled, don't you think? :)

Two tired, but happy and content parents ~
relaxing at home.

It was a quiet day with the children...
we enjoyed the peacefulness of it very, very much.
Was your Christmas Day relaxing or crazy busy or
somewhere in between?

Whatever happened in your home,
I trust it was a blessed Christmas full of joy celebrating
the REAL Reason for it all!

Many blessings,
Camille