Christmas Eve
Wishing everyone who celebrates today a very Merry Christmas.
I want to thank my Honey for letting me keep the Christmas Eve tradition. Opening presents with just the light of the tree is so much more special to me than opening them on Christmas morning, when it’s already getting light out (I’m the only one up when it’s still dark!)
Christmas was always my favorite day of the year, and I remember visiting my grandparents in Austria one year, looking out of their window into the snowy night, waiting for the Christkind (Christ child).
At home, my parents would always decorate the tree on Christmas Eve during the day, closing off the living/dining room and all day long my sister and I weren’t allowed to go in there. They would sneak the presents under the tree while we were playing in our room, or get all dressed up for dinner. The dining table would always be moved into the bedroom or mine & my sister’s room, so we wouldn’t see the tree before it was time.
After dinner, one of my parents would light the candles on the tree (yes, REAL candles!) and we had sparklers, too. That was my most favorite part.. not the presents, but walking into the living room and seeing the tree for the first time. We also had candy/chocolate ornaments and my sister and I could pick one or two to eat every day. And, we would always sing a few Christmas carols before we opened our gifts.
Our plans for tonight are to go out to dinner, and as we are leaving, I’m going to find an excuse to go back into the house so I can put all the presents under the tree. The kids are always so excited when we come back, because at dinner all they will have talked about is whether or not Santa came already.
I found this picture from my childhood. I think this was the Christmas before I turned 3 years old. That’s me in red .
Behind the blinds is not a window, it’s the pass-through between the kitchen and dining room.
Of course Christmas wouldn’t be the same without my FAVORITE Christmas song! Even though it is in German, I’m sure you will recognize it.
Stille Nacht by Nana Mouskouri
The Daily Click 
I just love reading about your childhood memories…what a beautiful tree! It sounds like a very special time!!. Have a wonderful Christmas my friend!!
24. December, 2008 at 05:56
I loved reading that too. What a fun tradition. It makes it even more special that you all open the presents on Christmas Eve. We always do a small exchange, but Santa won’t come until late tonight. You are such a cutie! And I had heard about using real candles, but had not seen it. How great that you have picture that completely encompasses your childhood memories of Christmas Eve!
Silent Night, is one of my favorites too!
24. December, 2008 at 06:25
You do get up early. 🙂 What a lovely tradition. As my family grew when I was little, Christmas Eve became a tradition for my sister’s families to come, exchange gifts and my Mom would make a big meal centered around the Christmas Ham.
That allowed my neices and nephews to have their morning Christmas’ around their trees.
Have a Merry Christmas whenever and whoever you celebrate it with!
24. December, 2008 at 07:22
WHat a fun childhood memory 🙂 Your tree is beautiful. Merry Christmas
24. December, 2008 at 07:56
Aww, this makes me all teary-eyed. What sweet, sweet memories and that you are able to recreate it with your own children.
Merry Christmas my Dear Friend1!!
p.s. no I was not challenging, I’ve already learned my lesson about that, lol!!!
24. December, 2008 at 08:33
Merry Christmas Michaela!! I love the picture of you. Your girls resemble you so much.
24. December, 2008 at 10:55
That is such a sweet picture of you and your sister!
Your tree is beautiful, Merry Christmas!
24. December, 2008 at 15:19