Christmas Eve Joseph, Eileen and Olivia in the Christmas outfits, please keep in mind that Joseph is 2.5 and there was no way to keep his shirt tucked in.

This year for the first time we stayed home for Christmas Eve, and it was very nice to begin our own traditions in our home (we did miss being at Nana and Papa's though). We had a nice dinner when Bryan got home from work then we went to Mass, and for the most part (keep in mind the excitement level we are working with) they did great. After Mass we came home and lit the Christmas candle from the Advent wreath, blessed the manger and placed baby Jesus in it, and blessed the Christmas tree. Joseph was so sweet, when I placed Jesus in the manger Joseph dropped to his knees and gently stroked the dolls head-it was such a tender moment and one I hope to never forget. After all of the blessings we moved into the family room and ate cookies, and hung our stockings. After getting their gift of new pajamas we read some stories checked where Santa was on the computer and off to bed!

Eileen was the first to hang her stocking this year, the kids are so lucky to have these that Nana made for them.

Olivia, without tights, getting a little help with hers

Joseph putting his up

All three stockings hung by the fire with care.

Enjoying a few cookies before we made a plate for Santa

Every year the kids each get one gift to open on Christmas Eve, new pajamas, this is Joseph opening his.

The kids in their new pajamas listening to a few Christmas stories before going to bed. This year we tracked Santa on the computer and Olivia was so funny, she kept going over to to computer to see where he was and telling us that she thought it was time for bed! If only she was that eager for bed every night!