December 24th - Christmas Eve

Usually, we head out to my Dad's for Christmas, but I am preparing to teach two University courses and am catering desserts for a wedding in the beginning of January and could not see how I could get out to Dad's to prepare for Christmas and then dismantle everything after and still be sane, so we did Christmas in the city this year. Sean, Kristin and Doug all made it home from Toronto, even with a few delays due to the wintery weather. My sister Carol and Dad were able to stay overnight as well.

We had our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve this year as it seemed to be the best night for all of our family (except for my niece Sarah, who had to work) to get together. It turned out very well and was a huge group effort with Carol coming early to peel vegetables, tie Christmas Crackers and wrap presents, Robin being a great sous chef, Doug jumping into the last minute rush and doing whatever was necessary as well as making sure everyone had what they needed during the meal, Kristin cleaning the bathroom and, with Sean, making sure that Amy stayed out from under. Dad did the carving, as per usual, and my niece Laura brought a candy cane cheesecake she made. Carol, my sister-in-law Jill, Laura, and her friend Mia washed up, while Doug and Kristin put food away. In all, it was a great dinner!

After everyone left, we crashed on the couches and got things ready for the arrival of the Big Guy. Amy spent quite some time setting out her cookies and milk, sampling each before she decided they were perfect.

She then decided that the stockings, with plush Tigger, Pooh, and Eeyore heads on them, had to actually be put to bed, complete with pillows and blanket, so that Santa would come.

It was finally decided that Santa would land on them as he came down the chimney, so she moved them to the couch, and she and Krissy joined them for a nap.
Then it was off to bed for everyone. Merry Christmas!