Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: Christmas Eve

Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: Christmas Eve, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's here! The truly Eve - the evening before the great birth, with dark nights, twinkling lights, and one surprise present. The kids weren't expecting new pajamas this year, and, well, I confess that I'm pretty smitten with the matchy-matchy outfits from baby doll to big boy. After they'd all bundled up in plaid and giggled their way to bed and tried hopelessly to fall asleep (Mama, I think I'll be up all night!)... Chris and I snuck all the gifts downstairs and under the tree, into the stockings (wearing my invisible Father Christmas hat), and all about. Candles lit, sparkling lights, Christmas carols softly in the background, it is one of my favorite moments of the year, just sitting on the sofa amidst the reminder of the gracious giver of all good things. Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!