Christmas Day 2008

Christmas day was a busy day, but a very fun day filled with lots of good food and memories. The day began with Joshua opening up his presents from Cory and I. He was thrilled to get a huge Playmobil police set, a Playmobil hay wagon and a load of rocks, new books, the Candyland game, and his very own Jellycat Bunglie Cat (thankfully we could now return Owen's after 6 weeks)! He even got to unwrap a littler Jellycat for the baby. After present opening Joshua and I lit our Advent wreath, including the Christ candle for Jesus' birthday and sang the song we sing with lighting the candles with the addition of singing happy birthday to Jesus. Then I re-told all the stories from the previous 4 weeks of Advent (that he's already heard numerous times at both home and school) and told the story of Jesus' birth. It's amazing to me how much more Joshua was able to recall and help tell the stories this year than last year! I'm so glad he loves this tradition of Advent, because it is one of my very favorites and allows us the time during this busy season to prepare our hearts for Christmas.
In the early afternoon we headed to my uncle and aunt's house to celebrate with extended family (my mom's side). The food was delicious and overwhelming as usual and it was nice to catch up with people we don't see so often. Our lucky little boy got a Build-a-Road set from Great Grandpa and Great Grandma as well as some money for his bank account. He was also fortunate to receive a Playmobil tractor and trailer with logs from Uncle Steve, Aunt Cher, Matt and Rachel as well as a cool remote control car that does tricks from Uncle Jim, Aunt Nancy, Danielle, Whitney and Mark (Whitney's fiance).
After that party we were back over at Grandpa and Grandma Hager's in the evening where the cousins exchanged gifts with one another. This year Joshua was excited to buy for Nicholas and for Owen (okay, technically baby Hager had Owen's name, but since the baby is not aware Joshua got to pick out and sign his name to Owen's gift). This was the only gift exchange of the night seeing we had already had the Hager family Christmas so it was nice that the kids got to focus on the one gift they gave and the one they received.
All in all it was a very busy season, but one we enjoyed immensely! We are so thankful we are able to celebrate Christmas and remember Christ's birth with those we love around us. The video below shows a smattering of our Christmas Day celebrations.

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