A lovely time had by all

My in-laws were flying into the lower mainland to spend Christmas, so we packed up the kids and headed down there to join the rest of the family. It has been years since we were all together at Christmas and we were looking forward to the kids playing together and eating some world-class turkey dinner.

First we had a day of visiting with some old friends and shopping for gifts for the children at an overcrowded and panicked mall. It was nice to catch up again with our friends, and the shopping was successful in that we came away with enough things for the kids to unwrap come Christmas morning. The kids had been playing with their cousins under the supervision of Kent’s family so we relaxed at their place before heading back out to Mission.

Christmas eve was spent shopping for groceries (Superstore was mobbed!), cooking, and making a gingerbread house with the kids. Kent and I even found time to go out for a run together, and after we cleaned up we opened presents with my Mom and Ken. The kids got lots of great gifts and were so excited to get new stuff. After dinner we piled into the truck and went to look at some lighted houses on the way to an open-house at some friends’. The kids had a blast racing through their big house and playing with the older kids. Kent and I got a tour through the manse, where we drooled over their newly built, beautiful home. The kids got to bed late that night, and I still had to make the pudding for Christmas dinner before I could turn in.

In the morning, Kent and I got up early in anticipation of the kids’ excitement to open presents and see what Santa brought. But the kids slept in until we finally had to wake them! Honestly, they never sleep in on weekends. But up they got and their little eyes shone when they saw the full stockings and presents under Grandma’s little tree. The pudding was done after steaming all night in the crock pot, so I prepared the sauce while the kids played with their new toys, and then we gathered up our wares and set out to Kent’s side for festivities. The minute we arrived we dove into a gift extravaganza with the kids pulling out toys and clothes from the Santa Sacks Bruce and Pam had prepared for them. They got lots of great stuff, including some fancy jewellery and toys from their cousins. We packed them up to go and visit Great Nana, and when we returned it was time for a delicious dinner.

Boxing Day we headed into town to visit friends on the way to my Dad’s. The kids were happy to see their uncle, and proudly showed off their gingerbread house village. Another lovely meal there, with many dessert options, and we the kids were again spoiled with gifts. Driving back to Mission that night, we were marvelling at how well the kids were holding up with all these late bedtimes and so much visiting.

Next day was spent cooking and prepping for Mom’s open house. I’d pre-made some of the food, and the rest was ready with fairly little fuss. The guests started to arrive in the late afternoon, and the kids were wildly excited to entertain them. After some living-room tumbling and recitals, we swept them away to the bedroom to watch a movie while the rest of the party unfolded. Lots of guests came, ate, and chatted into the evening, so I declare a success!

Back home with piles of toys to put away, we are exhausted and looking forward to a few days in our pyjamas before school starts again. Thanks to all our family and friends who hosted us and made time for visits, Christmas truly is about seeing and spending time with our loved ones!