Beginning to Feel Alot Like Christmas

This morning we woke up to more than a skiff of snow, and temperatures of -14C.  As I bundled the kids up to take Grace to school (her first day back!), that wonderful sense of Christmas began to overtake me.

I've been drinking the amazing Gingerbread Lattes for awhile, and have been slowly picking up Christmas gifts.  But, the season is truly almost upon us. 

Aidan and I went to the mall while G was at school.  Christmas music was playing, seniors were walking arm in arm (I love that), and signs for Santa's upcoming mall arrival were on display.

E-mails are arriving into my inbox for friends getting together, cookie exchanges, parties and the like.

Last night Nate and I sat down to figure out our gift list (ok, in truth I figure out the list and purchase the gifts, but I like to at least read it to Nate and get the head nod) :)

All of this has me reflecting on our ideas around Christmas.  With Grace being four, we are really starting to establish our own family rhythym, and traditions.

We like to:

• Host Christmas Eve at our home.  I love having family over to our house.  Eggnog, cider, cinnamon buns, board games around the table.  It allows the kids to still head to bed, and we still get to visit into the evening.
• Have Christmas morning just the four of us.  We no longer rush out to see other family members on Christmas morning.  It's a chance for us to slow down and just enjoy the kids being kids (and lounge around in our PJ's).
• Talking about PJ's, the kids each get one gift on Christmas Eve.  A new set of PJ's.  This year Nate and I are joining this tradition and are getting eachother a new set as well. 
• We gift the kids each four gifts.  Something to read, something to wear (this year dress up play clothes!), something to play with, and something handmade (I'm excited about what I've found to make the this year!).

What about you?  Any special traditions you've started or have been doing for years?  Is it starting to feel like Christmas around your neck of the woods as well?

A special note of thanks for all the prayers, and heartfelt comments for Grace.  I'm typically  not very outspoken about my Faith, but it is very very clear to me that God was with her in the hospital room.  I know she was being uplifted in prayer, and I am certain it is why her healing is going so remarkably well.  I am so so grateful, for a community of friends, many whom I have never met, who came together to lift up my sweet Grace in prayer and in thought.