Whew!! Christmas is my absolute FAVORITE time of year, but I must admit that I breathe a HUGE sign of relief when it's all over. Despite my attempts, I just don't see how it will ever be anything but hectic, and I really don't mean that in a bad way. I happen to love a packed schedule because I seem to get lots more accomplished. On Christmas day, Avery kept on wanting to know, "Why does Christmas only last ONE DAY?" One day, child? Where have YOU been? We've been doing Christmas for a whole month! But now that the decorations are all put away, the new toys are in their proper spot, the parties are all over, and the baked goods are ALMOST gone, I can finally sit down, relax, and reflect on the rest of this year's highlights...(continued from my previous post).
9. We celebrated with Shirley, Al, Shawn, Ash, Dennis and Tina and their families at the Smith's house on the 21st. Tina, as always, cooked a delicious dinner. The kids all enjoyed playing together, and somehow we left the house in decent shape. They were SOOOO wild!! Avery and Brynn sure do love their cousins though! The family is so big; thankfully, we draw names between the brothers & their wives/kids. But all of the grandchildren got lots of great gifts from PaPa and Grandma Shirley, and Brynn tried on every single new outfit and modeled it for everyone.
10. On Tuesday the 23rd, Mom kept the girls and baked Christmas cookies with them. I had to take Asa to the doctor that day - Diagnosis: double ear infection, sore throat, & brochitis. Poor Fellow! That night, we had Dad, Hope and Jeffrey over for dinner. We opened presents first (out of the ordinary for the Daniel family), so that we could enjoy a longer dinner/visit with the adults. Nonna read to Avery and Brynn and put them to bed that night, which was special for them.
11. On Christmas Eve, we went to church and then to Shirley and Al's house for dinner. Afterwards, the men went downstairs for their yearly "Santa debate" while the ladies stayed upstairs and were entertained by the younger kids as they did their "Program" of carols for us. The older generation of cousins (pictured) had to do "The Program" when they were growing up, and last year, they willingly passed the baton to their younger cousins. Tom Murvin lost the men's "debate;" therefore, shortly afterwards, the sound of Santa's sleigh was heard on the roof. Then, the highlight of the night, Rock n Roll Santa, showed up with his crazy dance moves. It was so funny to Bryan and me this year because all 3 of the kids actually danced with him. Well, Asa was actually PLOWED OVER by him (a video clip that Bryan is considering sending to America's Funniest Home Videos). It was hysterical! The evening continued in a blur of laughter, flying wrapping paper balls, oooohs and aaaahs over new toys, and generally LOTS of noise!
12. Asa was the first kid up on Christmas morning (7:15). Brynn was next at 7:45, and Avery joined the rest of us at 8:15. I am cherishing these Christmases, because I know in time they'll start waking up before the sun rises on Christmas morning. Mom and Papa came over to be a part of all the fun. First, we did our advent wreath & house and sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus" several times. They were REALLY into the whole advent candle thing and wanted to do it over and over again all season long. When we got around to seeing what Santa brought, the girls were really excited about everything they got, and they enjoyed opening Asa's loot too! Avery was especially thrilled with the Care Bear that was "exactly what she wanted." She told me later, "The elves are really good at that." I asked, "at what?" She responded, "at making Care Bears." After presents, we had brunch, and then just spent the rest of the day chillin' out! 
13. On Christmas night, Bryan and I let the girls in on one of OUR traditions - sleeping on the floor in front of the Christmas tree. We pulled our mattress in the living room, and the girls brought their sleeping bags for a great family time of laughing, reading, and watching movies. They thought it was GREAT!!
And now, it's over. Another year almost gone. One of my favorite songs that our choir sang this year said these words..."It's a brand new Christmas...another year, another chance to make a memory - to cherish friends and family. A brand new Christmas...enjoying moments with the Prince of Peace. There's no gift like the present, and this is....a brand new Christmas." Those lyrics perfectly express my thoughts this Christmas. We've enjoyed our family and our friends; we've made many new memories, but more than anything, we've celebrated Jesus in a way that made THIS Chrismas special and unique.
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