Christmas in Breckenridge

This holiday season was the first in my parents new house.  We were still in Breckenridge, where we have celebrated Christmas almost every year for the past 15 years, but we were in a new spot.  Having just moved in less than 2 weeks before there were still some boxes laying around and artwork that needed to be hung, but the important things were all  unpacked and ready for us.  There were stockings hanging over the fireplace, there were seasonal books and DVD's for the kids, and there was not one, but two, trees fully decorated and awaiting presents.

It was perfect.

We started our celebrations like we always do, with a big Christmas Eve dinner in the dining room, but this year we added a little something new.  We each had a cracker at our place.  When opened they spilled their goodies onto the table - a paper hat, a sticker, and a small whistle.  Nana became our conductor and each of us blew our whistle when asked.  We "played" some Christmas songs.  And we laughed.  I think we should incorporate this into our dinner from now on...

We then opened our stockings and got the girls ready for what we hoped would be a long and restful sleep.  Just before bed the girls laid out some cookies for Santa, a few carrots for the reindeer and some milk.

The next morning we awoke early and did what we do each year, made the girls wait about an hour while we got our coffee, baked the muffins and constructed the mimosas.  They are actually very, very patient about this...And then we let them at it.  We always allow the kids to open all of their gifts first.  It gives them the chance to open uninterrupted and then play with their new toys while the adults take their time and open theirs in a more civilized manner.

All in all, another great holiday to add to the books!  I hope you had as wonderful a Christmas day as we did.

These two are more patient than their years!