Christmases: Eve Eve, Eve and Day

My parents are both first-born in big families. As a child, that meant two or three days of giant Christmas celebrations: cousins, second cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents; homes stuffed with people who were stuffed with food and proceeded to give gifts to everyone {not just those under 18} for hours.

Over the years, these families have gradually become more spread out, leaving the parties smaller and less-chaotic. Financial situations have caused the gifts to become cheaper and, arguably, less thoughtful {as people become more concerned with the amount spent than the actual recipient's enjoyment of or need for that gift.}

This year, the celebrations were down to three. {Well, outside of the three with the Mariners' staff.}

On Wednesday night, after the first Christmas service, I met my mom for dinner with my Aunt Tiffany and her four kids: Kori, Chantel, Shane and Collette. This has been a Christmastime tradition for at least the last seven years.
After dinner they went to the movies. When they came out of the theater, Tiffany's boyfriend was there with a big sign, a bouquet of roses and a diamond ring. She, of course, said yes and the crowd of movie-goers cheered for the couple.On Christmas Eve, my mom and I went to lunch and the to Christmas service at Mariners. Then headed to Bum and Papa's for the Christmas Extravaganza.

It was the first time in a long time that Sarah, Tony and their kids were here to celebrate with us. It really made Christmas more fun to have this little kid running around and yelling "Dada! Want to play with with me!?"

Elijah

My aunt Gina

My brother Zac

My cousin Logan

My aunts Sarah and Gina

My cousin Sunny

Christmas Morning was spent with having breakfast with my Grandma and Grandpa and my brother. We ate and talked and laughed...

Then I drove down to my Aunt Gina's to hang out with her and my cousins for the day. We played Farkle, Left Right Center, and Battle of the Sexes. What a fun surprise when Bum and Papa showed up and played Battle of the Sexes with us! French Toast and bacon for dinner...and some chocolate milk. We watched Elf {and all fell asleep for a bit} and then Home Alone.

I came home last night and took the lights and ornaments off of the tree while watching When Harry Met Sally {a movie with both Christmas and New Year's scenes}. The house is now officially de-Christmas-ed and I take off for Colorado in the morning!

Hoping to take pictures and share CO stories as this week goes on...