Merry Christmas from our family to yours! I’m excited to share a look into our Christmas Day…it’s magical with a house full of little ones!I was especially grateful for the special time of Christmas after such a wild year. I’m thankful for this sweet family of mine…they made a hard year joyful and the festive fun of Christmas was just what we all needed! Sharing photos, and our yearly video, of our day.
On Christmas Eve our Elf Frosty brought the kids fun cereal and a little marshmallow message!
I got most of my wrapping done in advance so I could spend my time doing things like putting chase in a mug. haha. Ben wanted some attention too and got in a mug as well. ;)
It’s always so hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve because I’m too excited for their happy faces on Christmas Day! As usual, we started our morning, bright and early…with a prayer, excited giggles and Micah face planting onto the floor mattress. Haha. The kids all sleep in one room on Christmas Eve and the floor is covered with mattresses and blankets. What started as a way for us to keep kids from sneaking downstairs, turned into a fun tradition the kids all look forward to every year. I was exhausted by the end of the day-but so thankful for all the fun memories we made this Christmas. I’m still soaking it all in! I’ll treasure these memories forever!
It’s always fun seeing everyone post their Christmas mornings on social media and see how they celebrate! I thought in this post I would share a little about how we do gifts as a big family!
The presents from mom and dad and family are under the tree. Some years I can’t risk putting them under the tree, but this year everyone was a good age and we didn’t have any accidental openings. I also do a lot of the special presents in boxes so it’s not as risky. The “big” gifts are from mom and dad- we want the credit!
It’s always so fun seeing the kids have fun opening presents together…I love their sweet sibling bonds!
Santa brings presents for the kids and leaves them wrapped and unwrapped normally. (Each child has a spot) This year we think Santa didn’t wrap any because of Covid. Who knows.
Here’s what Santa brought the kids! It was the best seeing their reactions!
Last year the kids decorated name signs on Christmas Eve for Santa to use, but this year I guess Santa didn’t think they needed them… the kids knew what spot was theirs easily!
We open and play with Santa presents first and then open the ones (slowly) from under the tree.
+Christmas is one of those times of year where it’s very apparent we have A LOT of kids. We typically do around 5 gifts each from mom and dad. A few of those are practical things like pajamas or shoes. The kids gift to one sibling. (Secret Santa style) When you have this many kids it quickly turns into a lot so we use an excel sheet to stay on track and on budget. I shop sales! I feel so grateful this year for what we could do. And I’m so proud of the kids- they share toys so well and play all together. Family is everything and it’s so special seeing them experience this fun together!
Chase loved his FIRST CHRISTMAS! We have always had our babies at the end of Summer or in the Fall..so their first Christmas is usually when they are still so little. Chase was born in March so he was such a fun age!
Biscuit also had a great first Christmas!
She got treats, toys and a little bed for the kitchen.
Our lunch on Christmas Day is always snack food with a side of cookies! ;)
My parents came over around lunch and it was so nice! Thankful for having them so close.
My mom and I made a yummy dinner with some of our favorite dishes!
You can see my old post where I’ve shared the recipes we like to make on Holidays.
The Recipes We Make Every Holiday!
I think you’ll find some tasty ones you will want to try!
We spent all day hanging around the house playing and eating!
We stay in pajamas as long as possible. Sophia put on as many of her presents as possible. haha.
Here’s a few photos of how we decorated for Christmas this year. I love opening our decoration bins… they are filled with memories!
Our tree is (and will be for a while haha) all unbreakable ornaments! I love how whimsical and playful it is.
The playroom gets festive too- I used the same things as last year and drew the same little North Pole house. I love seeing the kids play in there.
We have a fun tradition where the kids each choose one of our ornaments to pair with their stocking.
It makes it feel new every year. (Almost all of our ornaments are from Target or Michaels.)
One of our traditions is to make gingerbread houses. The kids love it!
I mentally prepare for the sprinkle sugary mess- but it’s worth it. haha.
Thanks for stopping by and for following our family adventures!
This is our last Christmas in this house as we are building down the street from my parents. As I packed up the decor I kept thinking about how the next time we open these bins will be in the new house! AH!! EXCITING! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years.
Wishing you a wonderful 2021 from our family to yours!
