Christmas 2013

I've had a hard time feeling the Christmas spirit the last few years.  It just seems that the holiday season has become so commercialized and hectic.  The closest I come to feeling Christmas peace and excitement is probably when I am getting ready for our traditional Christmas Eve gathering. 

Because my daughters have multiple "parental units," the parents have learned to work together to divide holidays, usually with a minimum of drama.  I am lucky enough to have spoke for/drawn Christmas Eve, which in my mind is the prime choice.  Everyone is still in a state of anticipation (especially the kids), and I'm not competing for the kids' attention over their Christmas bounty vs. Grammie. 

Also, since they tend to get several traditional Christmas dinners, I have started going with a decidedly non-traditional menu.  The girls always seem to request my chicken noodle soup, combined this year with tortillas with mole poblano sauce, Mexican rice, and assorted other dishes (I can't even remember now ... note to self, catch up on this more often!!). 

Two other traditions that have become entrenched:

Christmas pajamas for the grandkids (pictured here faking sleep)



And Sterling signing "Hallelujah." 



Kaiya and Teague have also started performing on their violin and cello, respectively ... but unfortunately I didn't seem to get any pictures of that.  Next year!

Jared and his girlfriend Jodee also joined us this year.