As I've mentioned in the past, we always do our at-home Christmas a morning early. It's important for us to have our own special family traditions, and this is a way to do that without sacrificing our traditions with the rest of our families. Win-win. :)
I kept calling this "a very photogenic Christmas". Hope woke us up at 5:30 am because she was TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP (!!!) and even though we were a little groggy, opening gifts by the light of the tree was really magical. So, thanks, Hope. You made Christmas even prettier.
We only had 2 minor meltdowns during present time. It's hard being a little gal when you're running on limited sleep and your sister gets a really cool toy. ;)
I have to say, my favorite part of Christmas morning isn't the present opening. After everyone has opened their gifts, I always make a big breakfast and we sit down as a family and enjoy our favorite meal. Everyone is happy and giggling and we talk about all the Christmas secrets we haven't been able to share over the last couple of months. Then I usually take a nap. That's probably why breakfast is my favorite part. ;))
I hope you all truly had a wonderful day. I think I love holidays so much because everyone is happy and on their best behavior. I guess that mostly applies to extended family gatherings, but smiles and thankfulness all around is so much better than everything else! Merry, merry, friends.
**You can see our Christmas from last year
right here. Oh, baby Poesy...
so cute!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
www.lacajitadeaeris.blogspot.com
So sweet! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas. And I agree, my favorite part is definitely the breakfast after the gift opening. I'm lucky I still have a five-year-old sister (huge age difference, yes) and Christmas is still magical for us all with her around.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Taylor
www.welcomehometaylor.com
Quick question, 'a morning early'? So the 24th? Does this mean there is no Santa in your house? If this is the case do you tell your children to keep the truth from other children?
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful morning Katie! Your tree is absolutely beautiful! x
ReplyDeleteholljc.blogspot.co.uk
Looks like you had the most perfect Christmas morning :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you guys had such a lovely Christmas together! I think breakfast is my favourite part of the day too (after opening presents of course haha). Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Their little faces are darling! Such joy! Hope you're relaxing this weekend!
ReplyDeletehttp://sometimesgracefully.com
what a lovely christmas tradition. all of the photos are gorgeous. i loved my little pony, too, when i was a youngun. you are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos! You really have a gift for photography.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely Christmas day!
Helen at Hels Yeah! xx
Breakfast AFTER opening gifts is such a wonderful idea... We have always gotten up, showered, and cooked breakfast beforehand, so we're refreshed and ready to enjoy each other opening gifts. I think I like the idea of opening gifts first though...
ReplyDeleteChristen
http://christenlouise.blogspot.com
beautiful photos. i'm curious to know if your children think santa comes early or they know the truth. i highly support the latter :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks so sweet. -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of me own childhood. Breakfast after the gift opening was also my favorite part of this day! I'm happy that you had a wonderful christmas with your family, best wishes !
ReplyDeleteLo'
http://cultivez-moi.blogspot.fr/
looks like you had a beautiful christmas! x
ReplyDeletelovely pics!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, looks like you had a lovely christmas x
ReplyDeletehttp://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/
It really looks like you had a truly wonderful Christmas. I had to get into my car at 6:30am on Christmas morning to go to my boyfriend's niece's house so we could watch her open her gifts. It sounds like a chore, but it really makes the occasion so much more magical when you get to see a kid get so excited and appreciate her gifts. I'm curious to know, do you do the "Santa" thing with Hope and Poesy? I'm only curious to know if you do to know if it makes opening the gifts a day early any harder to keep the secret. Anyways, have a great New Year!
ReplyDeletehaggardlibrary.blogspot.ca
Beautiful photos! Looks like you had a lovely Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteLove & Kisses xoxo
missvickiangel.blogspot.co.uk
Looks very cozy. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI know this is random but I always notice the little details - are you and Johnny wearing the same pj pants in your post now and in the one from last year? :)
ReplyDeletewhat cute little ones you have! glad you had a happy christmas morning :)
ReplyDeletexxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Oh man, I remember the days when my brother and I used to get upset and fight over gifts. Your Christmas does look beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful New Year too!
ReplyDeletehttp:howtomakehome.blogspot.com
wonderful pictures! what a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteValentina
Valentina Duracinsky Blog
-- Facebook Page
Your Christmas looks magical. Happy New Year, Katie!
ReplyDeleteyour kiddos are the cutest.
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