Things to do while on Christmas Vacation:

1.  Cookout in the snow.

2.  Take pics of huge icicles.

3.  Eat at our beloved Pizza Town!

4.  Sit by the fire.

5.  Play with Nanny's Christmas train.

6.  Model.

7.  Eat tasty cookies

8.  Bring home a truckload of presents from family.

All dressed for church the Sunday before Christmas:

Ready to dance for the King:

(Special thanks to Jenny Thurston for the dance pictures!)

Just before Christmas, two brothers were spending the night at their Grandma's house. At bed time, they knelt down to say their prayers.

As they closed their eyes, one boy said in a loud voice, "Dear Lord, please ask Santa Claus to bring me a Wii, a telescope and a new bike."

His older brother said, "Why are you shouting? God isn't deaf."

"I know," said his brother, "but Grandma is."

Originally posted December 2009:

Tis the season to be jolly and we're making the most of it, decking the halls, wrapping presents, making candy.  It's a season of cherished customs and traditions.  O, yes, and of memories! 

One of my favorite family traditions is gathering around our Advent centerpiece and reading the Christmas Story. The candles are lit in a progression.  My husband's voice framed by four little faces aglow with candlelight,  it's precious.  Just precious.  

This year, we're going to have communion.  (My friend, Neva shared at a recent holiday gathering that her family partakes in the Communion Sacrament on Christmas.  I'm shamelessly copying  wonderfully inspired by her.)

You've had a glimpse into some of my favorite Christmas traditions, please do share one of your beloved holiday traditions. 

Reposted from December 2008:

One of our all time favorite Christmas activities!

We had eight little cookie makers plus our lil' guy, the red nose swiper.

Want to make your own?  Here's what you need:

Nutter Butters

Icing (we used sandwich baggies with the tip cut off to pipe the icing onto the cookies)

Red M&Ms

Small Pretzel Twists

Mini Chocolate Chips

Love this idea?  You totally need a Family Fun Magazine Subscription! 

Love this!  It's beautiful.  Just beautiful.