Some Christmas Traditions, new and old

NEW:  Instead of U-cutting a tree, we chose a pre-cut one

In and out of there in 10 minutes.

So easy.

KEEPER to continue tradition?  YEA.

NEW:  A story a night before Christmas.
KEEPER?  YEA.  For now.  For now, kids.

OLD:  Candles on Christmas Eve
KEEPER?  YEA.   Magical.

OLD:  Gingerbread House Decorating Party for the entire city
KEEPER?  YEA!

See?

Once again, Talmage and Davy spent the most time seriously considering architectural and landscaping features.

OLD: Decorating sugar cookies.  NEW:  Having Emily in charge from start to finish.
KEEPER:  If I can get Emily to live here, full-time, YEA and YEA.

NEW:  March of the Ponies and Wise Men to Bethlehem
KEEPER?  YEA.  For as long as they hold her imagination.

OLD:  Putting out Santa's snacks.

KEEPER?  Yea.  Consider adding Adams PB and some cheese as a side.

NEW:  A fourth Advent Calendar.  Briton made this up on a whim -- the kids took turns drawing something Christmas-themed each night..
KEEPER?  YEA!!!!

(The order of rotation was:  Sydney, Clara, Miles, Talmage -- Clara and Miles drew without help)
Of  note:

Dec 2, 14,   18:  Present
Dec 3: Bell
Dec 5:  Holly
Dec 6: Stocking with "Mom" written across top
Dec 7: Candy Cane
Dec 10: Snowman
Dec 11:  Reindeer
Dec 15:  Milo's Christmas Car (sideways view -- the purple is the road)
Dec 17:  Shepherd
Dec 19, 23: Christmas Car
Dec 22: Stocking with "Clara" across the top
Dec 24:  North Pole  

OLD:  "Who's doing pocket?"
KEEPER?  YEA.

Above:  the night before Christmas.
Who's excited for tomorrow???

(not shown: the Christmas Concert)