Now, we set a time for T-dub and J-dub to arrive so we can get things going. Normally, I get up a little early and have a cup of coffee while I wait, looking at the tree and presents before everything is dismantled. Even now, Chas sleeps in a bit, but he still gets up and sits patiently waiting for everyone else (the joy of having a teen vs. a toddler).
Since social media is a thing and I love it, I went ahead and began Instagramming, Tweeting, and posting on Facebook. Adding selfies and pithy comments. But finally T-dub and J-dub arrived. So after they settled in with there coffee and the gifts they'd brought, we began to disseminate the gits. I'm not sure how you do it in your house, I know everyone is different. We divvy up the gits into piles and then everyone starts opening at the same time.
For the last couple years, we've been trying to find our groove. We've done presents, we've done gift cards, and this year we did a mix of both. I think we've hit our stride. We did a few small things and then some major gift cards. It works well for everyone and we've still got a little something to open.
I made out like a bandit this year, as did everyone else. I got yarn, clothes, cosmetics, snacks, and a food processor. Not to mention gift cards for Target, Amazon, iTunes, and a Visa.
Once the opening is done, Mom and Dad get started on the breakfast feast. Dad makes Belgian waffles with all the toppings (fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, maple syrup, etc.), sausage, and bacon. Mom scrambles eggs, and makes biscuits, gravy, and fries up some of the ham from the day before. T-dub and I aren't allowed to help. This is their thing. So we wait patiently and play with our toys or read our books or as was the case this year, color in our Adult coloring books.
After all that deliciousness, we settle in (still in our pajamas). Sometimes, we'll make plans and go see a movie. This year, we watched movies on TV. It was the first time Dad and the Hubs had seen It's a Wonderful Life and the first time the Hubs and Chas had seen The Christmas Story. After that, T-dub and J-dub left, so Mom, the Hubs, and I watched War Room and by that time, we were starting to get hungry so we reheated some leftovers and watched Chas' new movie, Ant-Man.
Not too long after that, everyone retired, but I stayed up and kept the tree lit. I looked back on my resolutions for the past couple years and my book lists and began to work on both for 2016. It's a process. But I love that time of reflection all alone with the lights aglow.
So, what about you? What are some of your traditions and fun?
