Our Christmas Tradition

I actually had to think hard about this. What is our Christmas family tradition? At first I didn't think we even had one, but then I realized that we actually do. And it's a real unique and fun tradition too. I guess I just took it for granted since we do it every year. I think of it as the norm, but come to find out we're the only family I know of that does this!

First of all, this year we created a new tradition. We hand made ALL the ornaments for the tree. More out of necessity (since I didn't want to put out my breakable ornaments with my curious little squad), but I ended up loving the home made ones. So we'll have to see how next year goes as to whether we'll continue this one or not. I'm actually thinking about creating a winter wonderland area next year. I'm searching for one silver and 2 white trees (of different heights) to put up in the sun room. How FuN would that be to create an entire room for Christmas? And I'm still trying to decide if I want to still put up our normal tree in the house as well. hmmm... decisions, decisions. But I do have an entire year to decide. lol

We hang our stockings on the fireplace.
And I do put a few wrapped gifts under the tree early, but for the most part we have to wait for Santa to bring the gifts.
On Christmas eve we go out to eat and enjoy a nice sit down meal as a family, usually with some friends too. And then the children get to open one gift each before going to bed. We put out milk and our home made special cookies for Santa.
Next year I am going to institute the Christmas Eve pajamas tradition. I already bought all their Christmas PJs and an adorable snow globe for each of them. So next year I will let each of them open their PJs and snow globe on Christmas Eve. Then they'll have something new to play with and get to wear their new PJs to bed, that way I'll have cute PJs in all my Christmas pics! YAY! For next year, I also bought a recordable book of The Night Before Christmas and we are going to record the big boys reading it to them on Christmas Eve. That way I will have it for every year thereafter and I know I will treasure it forever. I can already imagine the chaos of the big boys trying to read as the littles point and squeal and "read" along with them. awww, I just can't wait!
As soon as all the children are tucked into bed and settled into sleep, the elves get busy. We bring out all the gifts, and usually have to retrieve the big boys gifts from friends houses (to assure no peeking before Christmas! hehe).

Like I said earlier, this year was such a treat to have my big boys as Santa's helpers too. Here is Santa Adrien putting gifts under the tree.

And filling the stockings. We laid the stockings down on the fireplace so the littles could reach them.

A job well done by Santa Adrien.

The big boys each took turns laying with Anastasia while the elves prepared the house as she has a tendency to get up. So Adrien helped while Lex stayed with her. Then they switched.

Santa Alex arranging the gifts under the tree.

Oops! His hat fell off... hehehe

Once we get everything prepared, we wait for Santa...

Santa usually gets to our house around midnight (which happens to be the time Daddy celebrated Christmas growing up in the Philippines). This year Santa was played by Mr Randall (and we are currently searching for a Mrs Clause suit for Mrs Becky to join the fun next year).

We very excitedly wake up all the children (yes, at midnight! well, i think it was closer to 11 this year), telling them that Santa is here! Santa is here! We kinda pretend that we just happen to catch Santa as he delivered presents, but he's in a hurry so gotta make it quick cause he's busy, busy, busy. This middle of the night sleepy stupor is how we pulled off the Santa illusion for sooo long with our big boys. I love it!
As you can see, Anastasia was not shy, she was very excited. She ran down the stairs, right into Santa's arms. So cute! But the little squad wasn't so sure. It took some convincing to get them near Santa.

Lex even gave Santa a hug to show the littles it was OK.

And Anastasia didn't want to let go

Bella was very curious. She was so shy tho. She just stared at him, then look at the santa door hang, then back at him. She just kept looking back and forth, like she just couldn't believe it was REALLY Santa! Wow!

The boys were scared, they didn't want anywhere near him.

Family pic with Santa

Now for the good stuff: Santa gives each child a gift from his bag (and I actually found a red 'Santa Sac' for next year, so long black garbage bag. lol). I usually have Santa give the most special (or most wanted) gift. This year Santa gave the little squad each their Dora backpack.
Of course, Anastasia is the first to go up for a gift.

Next was Bella's turn

Then Ashton, notice that Nana stays between him and Santa.

Then Aiden, and notice Big Bro Lex stays between him and Santa too.

And lastly is Allee. She was so shy. But so dang cute. She wanted that present so bad...

and finally snatched it up...

Then turned away so quick! hehe

So our family tradition is to hold Christmas at midnight, have Santa hand out one gift to each child. Give them a chance to meet him for a few minutes. Then they get to open the rest of their gifts, right then and there. And what a chaos that was! But oh so fun; we were buried in a sea of wrapping paper when everyone was done.

I put the opening of gifts in a separate post, coming soon.....

ps: I just finished the next post on opening gifts, so I put it in line with this one so you can just keep on reading and looking at precious pictures of my squad opening presents! I do so adore my children!