A Merry Christmas Eve!

This year we decided to have Madeline open presents and have our Christmas dinner on December 24th because here is Saudi Arabia the weekends are on Thursday and Friday and Paul had to go to work on Saturday (Christmas Day).  He didn't take the day off this year because he actually started his vacation on December 27th and will be home with us until January 26th.  We are so happy it worked out the way it did because it means Paul will be around when (It's starting to feel like IF) I go into labor.

So on December 23rd we made some cookies for Santa Claus to be laid out...

Madeline loves to help me make homemade cookies

Before bed we read a cute story my Mom gave Madeline last year called "The Christmas Key" - a modern day look at how Santa gets into people's homes if they don't have a fireplace with a chimney. The book comes with a neat, old looking key with a red ribbon on it so kids can hang it on the door. Only Santa can use it to get in and he can only use it to put presents under the tree - this is explicitely explained in the book so kids don't freak out I guess.

I also tried to explain to Madeline why we celebrate Christmas, that it is to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, but every time I asked her whose birthday it was she said, "Madeline!!" I guess that'll be stressed more next year when she understands a bit more.  

After Madeline fell asleep, Paul and I laid out her presents.

We were going to set out some cookies for Santa before bed with Madeline but she threw a fit and wanted the cookies for herself and could not understand why we should give any to Santa. So in the morning Paul and I put a bitten cookie and some crumbs on a plate with a note and the Santa key so it looked like he had been here.

Madeline noticing a half eaten cookie and a note from Santa with the key - she was very surprised.

Madeline usually likes to sleep in until 8:00 am but I couldn't wait so we woke her up at 7:00 am. At first she was not pleased with this, but when she saw the presents her attitude changed pretty quickly.

Madeline had a great time opening presents and she loved her new big sister chair. She ended up with her chair, a new stuffed giraffe, a bouncy ball with a handle on it so you can sit on it and bounce, a small furry ball, two puzzles, a barbie, a strawberry shortcake doll, a princess cup, a princess purse, an outfit and a sweater.

For breakfast we had pancakes and fruit and then we had a great day together watching movies, playing, singing Christmas songs, eating Christmas treats and just being together.  It was perfect!
For dinner Paul cooked the turkey - it was a 20 pounder (our only choice) - he always does a REALLY good job on the turkey and it is always juicy, and  tender, and scrumptious.

I made some gravy out of the turkey drippings and we had homemade mashed potatoes and vegetables to go with it.  I would have made myself some stuffing but I didn't find any at the store.  We had some vanilla ice cream with sprinkles for dessert (because my people aren't huge fans of pie).  It was the perfect Christmas meal for picky, simple eaters. 

After dinner we danced to Christmas music and then watched Polar Express together.  

Madeline dancing with her Daddy



Dancing

 It was a really nice Christmas. We missed our families, friends, and the snowy weather back in the states, but we were able to skype with my family during their Christmas Eve party and talk with Paul's side on the phone a couple of times. We are so grateful for technology and that we are able to talk with family and friends being so far away.