Christmas Eve's Dreams

The best part of Christmas Eve for me is the decor that conjures up that wonderful holiday spirit. My Mom always pulls out the traditional stuff, like my faithful friend Rudolph, who I have had for most of my life. His age is showing, and he looks a bit tired, but he always takes his post aside the Christmas tree where he protects all of the presents and goodies to be unwrapped.

The stockings were hung (by the chimney with great care -away from the fire!)

Nothing like an automatic timer to get everyone into the picture!

Our wonderful neighbor provided Brandan and Aly with a Christmas Eve treat: Just before bed time, the kids tugged on the boots and pulled on their coats and hats to head outside and spread around some tasty reindeer food. This would help Rudolph and the team guide Santa's sleigh to Momma and Papa's house for the night.

With a bit of oats and some sparkly glitter, the kids tossed the stuff all over the front lawn!

Traditional NEW jammies, for a good Christmas Eve sleep were a hit with Brandan this year. He has been begging for some footed pjs for a long time. He ripped them out of the box, jumped right into them (clothes and all!) and expressed his new found love.

The milk and cookies were set out, so I snapped one last sleepy-headed shot...

This morning, the kids found Santa's presents under the tree. Brandan and ALy were gifted with Guitar Hero (two guitars in the set - Santa must have been thinkin' ahead!), and a new World Monopoly game board (board game junkies, I tell ya!). Both kiddos got brand new WARM WINTER COATS, hats, mitts, and scarfs. (Again, Santa knows Chicago!)

So, as the kids test out the new stuff, I'll finish up the last minute details around here. We are off to Chinatown in a few (a new tradition we have had running for the past four years or so) to get a hearty meal that I don't have to cook! We will meet up with family, enjoy a bit of holiday chat, but then it is off to bed for a flight out is the AM! YAY! Almost here!

For all of you out there: Keep your fingers crossed on a good weather flight. May you enjoy the warmth of your families and make this a MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!