Simple Christmas Eve

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I know I'm a little late on this post, in my opinion, late is better than never. Especially since I treat this blog like a journal because for some reason, I have hard time writing in a journal. Blogs are so much better with pictures included! Another reason for you to keep blogging dear friends. 

December 24, 2010

We decided to camp out at my parents house for a few days since our apartment wasn't Christmas-y at all. Thank goodness, their house was all decked out.

My parents living room with the pile of presents! Yes, this is what Christmas should look like.

An ornament from my parents first Christmas they were married. My parents' tree is decorated with Vintage Santas.

Dicken's Christmas Village in the entryway. 

We woke up on Christmas Eve to this.

Cute Katelyn all dressed up unwrapping Reese's for Santa's cookies. 

Katelyn was excited to have Santa to come and ready to make him cookies. She came downstairs with her best dress-ups on with an apron over them, of course. "I don't want to get them dirty Lisa," Katelyn explained. I love that girl, the outfit even included plastic high heels. 

The day was filled with last minute shopping and wrapping which was all worth it. Poor Kevin drove all over town,  delivering a few neighbor gifts, plus buying me last minute bags and presents. I just wrapped-despite having all those bags ready and wrapped and wrapped, okay you get the picture. The funny part was that I was not allowed to go into my parents room almost all day (that's where the tree was hidden). Eventually, I did get summoned up there because all of Kevin's presents were in daddy's closet (he wouldn't go snooping there). 

Christmas Eve is the night where the majority of the Soules Family traditions happen. Starting with some of the best food in the world.

Lumpia, Pancit and Tocino

My mom is from the Philippines and we love celebrating her culture. Every Christmas Eve since I can remember, she has always cooked Filipino food.

While we all helped out here and there, this year guess who was the chef in charge?

That's right, Nate. He gave me the face above when I said, "Smile!" Crazy brother of mine. Then he gave a real smile, holding our holiday drink of choice, Cherry 7up.

This meal was followed by talking to Jonny Mark on the phone, who's in the Philippines. Thank goodness for technology because it was a three way call that not only included the six of us but my grandmother and uncle and aunt as well.

Mark announced, that he was going to be transferred from Palawan (an island) to Manila (mainland). My mom was thrilled because he may have the chance to meet some of her cousins.

Finally, let's open the presents! Sadly, we waited too long for Aiden to stay up. Katelyn was really anxious to get started.

Katelyn a.k.a. Sunshine Girl with some new gifts. My favorite picture of her is the one in the middle. Her excitement was and is always contagious. 

Our new tradition this year, was to draw names and make homemade presents. I drew Jen's name.

Jen loves to make cakes and I thought this platter would be just right. Plus, it's all sparkly which makes it even better. ;)
You can find the DIY tutorial here. Awesome because it was definitely in the budget, you'd be shocked to hear how much I really paid for it.

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Kevin surprised me with this book. Oh I love it! It's been fun to read the series over the break. Plus, it's beautiful.

Kevin and I with all the presents. 

After all the presents I was surprised with the tree. I still think it's the best.
Another new tradition for us, filling each other's Christmas stockings. I really did love this and we did keep it simple.

Kevin's stocking was mostly filled with treats.

It was great finding every little thing for Kevin's stocking. The tamarind's were definitely an extra surprise.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!