Mom's Christmas

My siblings and I have been fortuante to celebrate Christmas with our parents and each other on Christmas Eve or Day every year. We all have commitments other days, but we're able to get together for our celebration on one of these days. We always start in the afternoon but the festivities last all day... we like to drag things out, I suppose, make the excitement last. Since Daniel and I came in town the evening of Christmas Eve, we were there for a big Christmas morning breakfast. Yum! My favorite meal of the day and even better when it's prepared by hands other than my own. Just sayin. But seriously, mom's pancakes are the best and dad's eggs are a big hit as well.

Mom and dad made Maggie a therapy table. It has a bench and handles on top so she can pull up from a sitting position and hold on with one hand while she plays with the other once she gets up there. Marliese mentioned this idea to me a few months ago and I ran it by my parents, so I'm very excited they decided to build it for us!

We start with lunch and though the menu has changed over the years, it's always delicious. Mom and dad do the main dishes and we all bring sides. Well, I actually just did dessert this year, but that's still a contribution. So after our yummy meal we all clean up and take our usual seats in the living room. Yes, we sit in the same spot every year.  My brother, Steve, and I usually pass out the gifts but I gave my spot to his son and sat on the sidelines this year. We start with youngest grandchild opening gifts one at a time so we all see what everyone gets. We do this one or two rounds...maybe even three, then let them go for it. After they finish and busy themselves with their gifts, the adults start. Youngest to oldest, we each open a gift 'til they're gone then we all watch mom and dad.

hiding from the paparazzi?

Maggie loves holding that lion piano from my parents.

She thinks she's such a big girl!

I love my hubby's sense of humor

 After presents it's time to bring out dessert! Then we all relax, talk and/or play games. Sad to see another Christmas go by so quickly but we had a great time!!