Advent Calendar - Christmas Eve

     The Christmas Shuffle has begun; no it isn’t some kind of hoe-down dance. Not really, this is the dance that every parent does right before the paper shredding event takes place.

     First thing in the morning we quietly sneak in to grab a cup of coffee, it might be the only peace and quiet we have for two days. I love my kids don’t get me wrong, but we ALL seek silence in the house before the “Christmas Twister” hits. Once all the gift seeking sweethearts get up the Christmas tree attack begins, so to speak. You can catch each one of then sitting on the floor crisscross applesauce style, gazing at the gifts below the tree. The conversation will consist of many different points of interest for all parents to hear.

 

     ….”lets count how many presents are under the tree.”

     ….”that’s too heavy.”

     ….”this one makes sound when you shake it, hey mom this isn’t breakable is it?”

     ….”someone tricked me with this box.”

     ….”I know exactly what this is.”

     Once their legs go numb from sitting on the floor the number one question will be asked, not only once but multiple times, “When are we going to open the presents?”

     Once the kids are entertaining themselves we begin our Christmas Shuffle. Running around making sure we remember where we hid everything, it never fails something is always missing. Then we do a quick double check to make sure we didn’t leave anyone out, or short anyone I should say. We know how they like to count and compare.

 

     Quick kitchen run through making sure all of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner ingredients are on hand. Prepare the sugar cookie station with icing and sprinkles, spread the wax paper out and lay out all of the cookies. Now it’s time for the decorating chefs to come in and create.  Mom and dad now have a few minutes to set back, watch, enjoy and remember our childhood past at our cookie stations.

 

     Our Christmas Eve consists of all the fun activities discussed, the tradition and activities continue on into the evening. Once the cookies are done it's time to make the homemade pizzas, that's right on Christmas Eve we have homemade pizza for our dinner, no were not Italian. Don't worry on Christmas Day it's the traditional prime rib with all the trimmings. The stomachs are full, dishes in the dishwasher and now it's time for the wrapping paper to fly.

 

     Ah, the smiling faces, giggles and joyful conversation are now taking place, while we, mom and dad, set back wondering what just happened. Then laugh and realize it was the "Christmas Twister". The evening has come to an end and now it's time for bed, they try real hard to get all snug in their beds and go to sleep for they know Santa Claus is on his way.