Ghost of Christmas Present

In our family we count the days down to Christmas with an Advent candle. Each night before bed, we light the candle, read a Christmas story, sing a song, eat a piece of chocolate from the store bought advent countdown calendar, and put a piece of a advent nativity scene up. The kids really enjoy this nightly tradition.

Josh and I bought our little Christmas tree our 2nd year of marriage, we've had it ever since. We get everything out the day after Thanksgiving. Everybody helps to set up the tree. We then put up the antique Christmas village, and our ugly Santa collection( which we love because of its sentimental value - they belonged to our Grandparents). We also have handmade, knitted stockings from Josh's grandmother.

We always look forward to seeing the Christmas lights at temple square or in Ogden.

On Christmas Eve we get together with Josh's side, we start out the day with sledding and other reindeer games outside. We snack on Sheree famous shrimp dip and chili cheese dip. For dinner we have soups and rolls, then we play "the ball of fun". Crate paper that has been rolled up into a big ball. As you unroll it around the room, there are directions with a family members name on slips of paper, i.e.: sing away in a manger, read a scripture, unwrap a gift. Through this we end up reading all of Luke 2. It seems to keep the kids attention.

On Christmas Day we go to my side in the afternoon. There is always lots of good food to eat. Ham, potatoes, rolls, etc. My parents always have a piñata for the kids to hit full of candy and little gifts. The adults play the gift exchange game. We have certain white elephant gifts that keep showing up year after year (thanks to my brother James - eBay extraordinaire).

The tree and other decorations usually come down the day after Christmas or sometime soon after that.