'Twas the Night Before Christmas

For Christmas Eve we decided to stay at home this year. Madeline had really really wanted to go to Universal Studio to Whoville (she is really into the Grinch) but it was a cold and rainy day so decided not to go. I always like to be at home on Christmas Eve so that we can get ready for Santa. You know, leave carrots for the reindeer, cookies for Santa, and read "The Night Before Christmas."

Madeline of course wanted to dress up. We have now convinced her to wear pants or other warm clothes during the day for park outings and school as long as she can wear fancy clothes at night. We danced to too many Christmas songs, both Madeline and Jack love to dance, although they have very different styles. Madeline has a pseudo-ballet that she does for any song that is playing and Jack has a little shoulder-shake that he finds appropriate, regardless of the music playing!

We had Champagne and Madeline and Jack had sparkling apple cider and we all started toasting. Madeline got really into the toasting and went on and on. She thought it was great and thought we should continue saying "Christmasy," "Familyish," and "Godish," stuff during the dinner. She pulled every expression that she had ever heard out of her hat! It was really funny and sweet. Jack liked doing "Cheers" over and over and did it with such gusto that we had to be careful he didn't break the glasses.

Here is the table all set for dinner. I walked away to get the camera and Jack, of course climbed onto the table! Boys!! Miraculously, he didn't break anything. We had yummy fettuccine alfredo that everyone ate and loved. I always love when everyone likes and eats the same meal, it seems this doesn't happen very often in our house. Of course, what is not like to like about 1/2 pound of butter mixed with 1/2 pound of fresh Parmesan cheese tossed with yummy fresh pasta.

Then we all read "The Night Before Christmas" and put Jack to bed. Madeline did not want to set the cookies out for Santa until after he was in bed, she was afraid that he would eat Santa's cookies (rightly so)! It was a really special night at home and I think fettuccine alfredo is our new Christmas Eve tradition! After setting out the cookies and carrots Madeline also went to bed to wait for Santa.