Squee, Christmas Eve is almost here!

Those of oyu who've read my previous post on Christmas know by now I am a fanatic for it. I don't know about the rest of you, but Christmas Eve and Christmas day has some special traditions, most of which I made up because I want my kids to remember this time with smiles when they're older.

1. Christmas Eve Norad is the place we go to keep track of Santa as he begins his yearly trek. I love it and so do the kids. Talk about getting them all revved up.

2. Christmas Eve and Day are ours–we don't go over and while people are welcome to come over, I don't encourage it because it's family time.

3. Just before bed on Christmas Eve, with a special mix I make every year, the kids go out onto the front lawn and sprinkle magical rein deer food. The special glitter mixed in with the oats is a magical substance to keep those deer energetic and helps make sure they find our house.

4. NEW! This year, I've decided to make the whole family kind of match Christmas morning, so I've picked up red plaid pajamas for us all. I couldn't get identical ones, but they're all red plaid of some type so it's still good.

5. Hubby and I get up early Christmas Morning– too excited to sleep. We get the coffee going (with a dollop of Christmas cheer) and gasp over the mound of presents under the tree for the kids, who despite occasional mishaps, are the best kids ever! Then we wake the little monsters up

6. We spend a leisurely morning opening presents taking time to ooh and awe over each gift. We'll even pause the whole paper tearing bit to pull a special item out of its box and give it some batteries. Then we giggle and smile as the kids excited chatter over their new treasure fills the air. Sigh, the best sound in the world.

7. We answers call, we make calls and cheerfully wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

8. We set the dining room table foe dinner. Each place setting gets a cracker and the kids are all a buzz because we're eating off mommy's fancy dishes. Then the coup de grace. Dinner itself. I gave up making turkey dinner. Not only was it alot of work on a day that is draining in its excitement, my kids don't eat it, at all! So last year I did something new and shocking. On Christmas, I bought a bucket of KFC chicken along with gravy and coleslaw. On Christmas Day, I heat those things up and make some fresh fries, and serving it all on my fine china, we have a greasy, southern fried delight that my kids devoured eagerly. And asked for seconds. I'm sure many of you are appalled. I was embarrassed about mentioning it at first until I realized something–it was the best Christmas dinner ever. Not only did my kids eat well, I wasn't exhausted and sweaty, the clean up was minimal and best of all, we ate as a family with smiles and laughter.

Now that I've properly shocked you, I hope you'll tell me about your traditions. And in case I don't get a chance to tell you in person, Merry Christmas. I hope you and your loved ones have a fabulous time.