Christmas Eve with Collin

Although tonight is Christmas Eve, we started things a little early in the Hardy household. Last night we read the Christmas Story to Collin and lit candles to symbolize various ideals from the story. This is a tradition Patrick's parents did with him and I am excited to carry it over to Collin. Grandmommy read the Christmas Story out of the Bible to all of us and we lit a candle at various points. The story was a little long for Collin's attention span so we cut it short. The tradition is that the youngest person gets to snuff out the candles, so Mr. Collin got this job. With Mommy and Daddy's help, he got all the candles out then opened a special present that was an ornament of Baby Jesus in the manager. Although he is young now, we want to instill within him the real meaning of Christmas from a young age.

Tonight Collin got to experience his first Christmas Eve. Unfortunately Daddy had to work this morning so we hung out with Grandmommy and Granddaddy (Patrick's parents). Around noon, Daddy came home and played with Collin so Mommy could get everything ready for Christmas Eve dinner. We had Papa, Uncle Jon, Aunt Brittany, Grandmommy and Granddaddy over for dinner. I made Stuffed Shells, Caesar Salad and bread for everyone, along with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup trifle for dessert. Unfortunately, Collin couldn't have any of the food but joined us at the table with a Mum-Mum cracker in hand and a few Puffs. After dinner, Collin got decked out in his Christmas pajamas and headed off to bed so Santa could come. All the adults played several games then got the house ready for Santa to come. Although Collin does not fully understand what is going to happen tomorrow, I cannot wait to see his face when he sees all his new toys and all the presents and paper everywhere. It is going to be so much fun!!!