 |
| Sarah, Chloe, Ethan, Allison, Brandon, Mason |
 |
| Seppala Kiddos |
 |
| Thome kiddos |
 |
| Payne Kiddos |
We celebrated Christmas Eve at the Thome's again this year. Everyone was in attendance this year except Gram, as she hasn't been feeling well for a few months.
These get together's always make me nostalgic for my childhood. I can remember being barely able to contain my excitement that the holiday was upon us. We would always get together at Aunt Becky's house on Christmas Eve for a big Mexican dinner followed by opening presents. I remember all the adults sitting around, having cocktails and chatting about life. My memories include tables full of food, dessert trays full of cookies, fudge, my Gram's mexican wedding cookies, and bowls full of Christmas ribbon candy and Hersey's kisses.
I remember sneaking into my Aunt's front living room and feeling so small next to a huge Christmas tree with presents stacked all around, just wondering how much longer we would have to wait until we could unwrap our treasures!
Now, as a parent, I look at my kiddos (and nieces/nephews) and see the same awe in their eyes when they see at the food, decorations, and gifts. I smile to myself when I hear the usual questions...."When can we open gifts? Can we eat so we can open gifts? How much longer?".
I hope our kids will look back fondly at this time of their life and remember these happy memories, surrounded by family, and realize how fortunate they are.
