On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening out at the Vogt Farm with all of the Vogt side of the family. Anne had made a yummy clam chowder soup and appetizers. We exchanged our gifts with them and after visiting for a while, we made our way back home to start in on our own family's tradition... We talked about the birth of Christ, sang "Away in a Manger" and watched the new video "The Christ Child" that the church put out this year. We finished up by singing Silent Night all together. Afterwards, everyone wanted to do the Sibling Gifts (I'm not sure exactly what year we started this, but it's been about 6 years and we all love it! It's where the kids draw names and then they do a homemade gift for that person. 2 people did a little "cheat" and purchased their gift this year... but that's ok, we forgive them!)
Everyone felt loved and happy with what they'd been given! We then got ready for bed and went to sleep. With older kids, we didn't worry about being woken up too early and instead got up at 9:30am - it was glorious! August and McKendra stayed the night so they wouldn't miss out on any of the festivities! We were hoping that Santa might bring us each one surprise gift and with that hope in mind, the girls left a note asking if Santa could do things a little bit different this year. They asked if the gifts could be wrapped and labeled and put inside of a big Santa Bag that could then be passed out the next morning. Upon waking, we were thrilled to see that their instructions had been followed precisely and dad had the honor of handing the gifts out one at a time and we were all able to watch each other open their gifts. After the Santa gifts, the girls wanted to watch everyone open up their gifts to them (they had saved up all of their money and purchased gifts for each member of the family!) so we all watched as we took turns opening up the thoughtful gifts from the girls. August and McKendra were next and wanted to watch as everyone opened up their gifts to them and so the morning proceeded on. Reflecting back, I really enjoyed this "method" of opening gifts and think we will continue to do it this way! It made the gift giver feel extra special and appreciated when all attention was focused on their gifts.
After gifts were opened, we had a delicious breakfast of Biscuits and Gravy! Dad made the sausage and gravy, Lexi made the scrambled eggs and mom and Aubrie worked on the homemade biscuits. Once our bellies were full, everyone went to relax and nap (and let's be honest, more Hallmark Christmas movies were watched!). Ben went out to spend some time with Natalie's family before bringing her back for Christmas Dinner (which was roast, potatoes (mashed and roasted), rolls, salad and veggies. It was sad to see Christmas day come to a close but we've been so blessed this year and our hearts and souls were overflowing! Here are pictures from our Christmas day! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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