Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

This is going to be a picture overload post. We truly are so blessed to have such amazing family. The kids had so much fun with their grandparents and got some super fun stuff this year.  

We started Christmas eve with breakfast with my Dad.  We started that tradition a couple years ago and I hope it continues because the kids and I love it. 

Then that night we got blessed with a visit from our favorite lady from church. The kids call her Grandma Faye and she is one of the biggest blessing we have here in Burnet. She made the kids cookies and brought them gifts. 

Then we got ready for the candlelight service at church with Dylan's parents and brother. Another great tradition we started last year. I never went to church Christmas Eve as a kid and now can't imagine not going. I have to say the best moment was listening to a little kindergarden girl get up on the stage and sing Happy Birthday Jesus in front of the whole church. It was one of the most special moments and I can't say that I didn't get choked up.  Love Christmas eve service!

Then we came back for dinner and presents. 

When we went to see Santa at the Library, he gave all the kids reindeer food to spread on the lawn.  Claire kept yelling at Roxy not to eat it. 

Then we woke up Christmas morning to presents from Santa! This year we decided not to ask Santa for anything and instead let him surprise us. I really want my kids to learn to just be grateful for anything and everything.  Carly had been asking for a boom box so she wasn't too surprised but the other two didn't really ask for anything or know what he would bring. I thought it made Christmas a lot nicer. 

Santa brought all the kids the game Doggy Doo. OK, let me just say it is absolutely hilarious. You feed it little treats and then you take it for a "walk." As you press the leash handle the food turns to poop and then actually comes out the back end. We all got the biggest kick out of it.  I think it was the highlight of Christmas.

My Mom and her best friend (my other Mama), Pat came over for Christmas breakfast.  

Then that evening we went to Dylan's Aunts house to celebrate with all his Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents. 

I have never had a problem with Santa before and honestly still love the idea of him and love the tradition but I have had this tugging at my heart this Christmas about really trying to focus most of our time and attention on Jesus.  Sure we always say it is about Jesus but as it nears the infamous day it always turns more to Santa and have you been naughty or nice. Jesus seems to get pushed into the shadows. 

This was the first year that we didn't go overboard with presents. They each got  4 total, including what Santa brought and there isn't so much stuff that I am overwhelmed and feeling guilty, like I need to hide stuff for the rest of the year. My kids are actually playing today with all their stuff instead of feeling overwhelmed by the volume of toys. They were so thankful for everything and weren't at all disappointed that their was less to open. I use to feel like if their wasn't a ton of presents under the tree than I was the worst Mom and their Christmas wouldn't be special. This year proved that is not the case. 

I also hate the pressure we put on little kids during the month of December to be good so they can get presents. We even have the elf on the shelf to remind us to act right. You don't hear parents telling their kids in July to be good cause Santa is watching, do you? I think it is silly and I don't like it. Especially threatening that Santa won't come or bring you gifts. 

I have all these thoughts in my head about Christmas and what I want my kids to take away from it.  I have a hard time putting it into words but I know that each year I am getting closer to it. My kids are turning into thankful, giving, funny and thoughtful kids and even though I know it and am thankful for it year round, this time of year makes me all the more thankful.  In our greedy, selfish, technology infused world I see that it is still possible to raise kids that care for others above themselves, are thankful for even the smallest things and enjoy actually spending time with family. Not sure what else you could ask for. 

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and got to spend it with family. I know ours was nothing less than perfect.