Christmas Eve

This afternoon we went to the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass for Christmas. It was packed with many people standing. The children put on a Christmas pageant of sorts to the reading of the Gospel. It was cute, as is anything that young children are involved. Then, after Mass, we went to Applebee's for our traditional Christmas Eve meal. After all, we have done it two years in a row, so that makes it a tradition - right?! Then, we rode around and looked at lights and commented that some people must have more time than we do. Nikolai said that he was too lazy to put up lights because that was too much work. At least he is an honest child. Finally, we arrived at home.

Deniska has been in a surly mood all day. Before church, I asked him what was wrong. He said that he was afraid that he had not been good enough for Santa to visit him. He stresses over any type of extra activities such as birthdays or Christmas. So, I assured him that his name was right at the top of the "Nice" list and he would indeed have a visit from St. Nicholas. Then, he was concerned that Nikolai would not make the list. I assured him that even Nikolai had made the list as well - just barely! Now I know that some of you reading this might not agree with believe in Santa Claus, you can just keep your opinion to yourself. Dennis and I see no harm in allowing a child to experience the magic of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy as long as possible. As for myself, I still believe in Santa Claus and the magic that he gives us each year.

Anyway, back to the evening. Dennis and I decided to let the boys open the gifts they received from relatives who will not be with us tomorrow. This includes their Grandma Joyce, Dennis' Sister and her family, and "Grandpa" and Lillian. They had a great time opening the gifts and I think it helped to ease Deniska's mind that he would indeed get more gifts in the morning.

Both boys got a movie and a bear claw from their Aunt Deanna, Uncle Darrel, Christian and Anthony.

Grandma Joyce sent each boy a Rubik's Cube.  Their daddy will enjoy playing with that!

Dennis really likes his money clip from his mother.  He saved the box as well since it was such a nice box!  Looks like Nikolai kinda has his eye on his daddy's money clip!!  Dennis also got black socks.  This is something he needs and wanted.  At church tonight, I looked down at Nikolai's feet and he had a pair of his daddy's black socks on.  They came all the way up to his knee!  So funny.

Grandpa and Lillian sent each boy a gift certificate to Wal-Mart! 

Anna wanted to know if that gift was hers?!  Silly cat!  That's Dennis' gift, not yours!

I got a lovely Laurel Birch bag and earrings from Dennis' mother.  I love both of them.  Dennis and I got a Christmas CD from his sister and family.  I love Christmas music so it will more than likely get played all year long.  It was a nice way to end the evening.  Both boys are in bed already but both are excited.  I don't see sleep coming anytime soon to anyone in this home. 
 
Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope Santa is good to you this year!!

PS - I just noticed that the date on my camera is wrong.  I really do need a new camera!!!!