At the Collins' house, Christmas Eve is a busy exciting day. The kids are restless with anticipation for the big celebration. Dad is working, and Mom is trying to have fun with the kids while finishing up any last minute Christmas preparations all while not going crazy.
So I do what my mom use to do with me growing up - Have a Sugar Cookie Decorating Party.
This keeps my kids entertained for hours, plus after, you have some pretty tasty cookies to leave out for Santa.
Once Dad finally made it home from work, the Christmas Eve festivities began. Starting with a dinner of snack foods- pizza rolls, chips and dip, a cheese ball, fruit and veggie trays, curly fries, and of course, cookies.
After dinner, was the traditional opening of one "special" Christmas Eve gift-
New Pajamas
Then we played a competitively fierce game of Cup Stacking, Minute-to-Win-It style.
(What ever happened to that show? I miss it!)
This year we decided to start a new tradition.
We let the kids exchange their Secret-Santa gifts.
Best ideas ever!
They were so excited to give each other the gifts they had picked out.
There were smiles and hugs all around.
Sure warms this mama's heart.
We wound down the night by watching a bunch of different Christmas Mormon Messages including
and this one
We ended the night by watching The Nativity then kneeling in prayer as a family.
I just love Christmas time and being able to focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ and His birth.