Sweet Christmas Eve

I couldn't help but wake up this morning with the excitement I've had about Christmas Eve since...well, as far back as I can remember. All growing up Christmas Eve was by far my most FAVORITE day ever!!

I'll set the stage for why...

The earliest memory begins when I was tiny. Driving to my Grandparents house in West Seattle which sat on a hill that overlooked the Puget Sound. (If I ever get rich - I will buy back the house my Grandpa Roger "Cupie" built. Absolutely amazing!! Cedar, stain glass window from England, little cubbies throughout, the west side of the house practically all windows to be able to stare out the window and enjoy the view of the water....). My mom's whole side of the family would gather - 3 sisters with families - great grandma's - and occasionally my dad's side of the family (that was once or twice...we learned that was not a good idea ;) ha). We would eat amazing food!! Sometimes Grammers would have the energy to cook for us all and other times she would take the catering way out. But we could always count on Great Grandma Down's fabulous Pecan pies (southern made) and Grammers and Mom's pumkpin goodness...oh and Great Grandma Down's chocolate goo (it was a fudge she messes up years ago that turned out to be our favorite baking mistake of hers).

Traditions were started....and these above all I've missed the past 7 years, but cherish every memory of having.

Grandpa Roger "Cupie" would read the Christmas story to us all. He would then have all the grandchildren (8 of us total) read the scriptures that he had assigned weeks prior for us to memorize and share with the family. We would then get out these Christmas songbooks that the community of West Seattle put out about 30+ years ago (I have them now - some got damaged in the flood, but most survived - Thank God) and we would go through and sing all the songs. Not to brag, but I come from a family that has some pretty legit and classically trained voices. (sidenote: my brother and I used to "fight" to see who got to sit in between Grammers and Cupie at church. To hear them sing their parts in Hymns was such a treat and gift. Sometimes, on certain songs, I can actually hear them singing. Sweet memories). My favorite song to sing as a family in which everyone had parts was The 12 Days Of Christmas. Cupie always had "5 Golden Rings"...and the way he would sing it...well, again...I can hear him every time the song is sung. My Aunt Debbie would always be the one to add in a funny line or noise to make in that song. She was always the one who would also wear blinking Christmas light earrings and one time she busted out silver glitter leggings. haha. She def is a fun one.

Oh gosh....I could go on forever about the memories of Christmas Eve and how much I cherished them. I will always miss Cupie reading the Christmas story....all of us grandchildren quoting our scriptures, and Grandma getting on the piano and playing so we could all sing Christmas carols together. I feel very blessed and pray when I have kids someday that they will love the traditions and memories that we create...

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories/traditions?


Merry Christmas Eve to all! Praying you all have an amazing day with friends and family....celebrating the real reason for this Christmas Season. Excited to be with my Church family today and framily this Christmas. fun times to be had!! :)

Shoutout to my family in Seattle and praying over my brother as he leads Christmas Eve service at his church tonight...loved attending that last year and so incredibly proud of the man of God he is. Blessed with such an incredible family and thankful for Skype this Christmas :) xoxo