Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. This was the first one in many years where I had a loving husband. That made it especially nice and memorable!
We went to my mom's house for a family brunch, presents, and games.
She had made this cute Christmas tree out of book pages:
Line of presents
I liked my sweater and headband, so a selfie had to be taken. 😃
Me and Sam. I look dorky here but—miracle of miracles—Sam cracked a smile!
Me and Mr. Honey Buns (ha ha)
My brother Nathan had David for our family's Secret Santa gift exchange, and he did some creative editing on the movie case of The Beekeeper, since David is, indeed, a beekeeper. 😆 So neat!
We spent the rest of the day and evening at home. The three of us watched Elf. Mom came over for our traditional pot roast dinner, reading the Christmas story from the scriptures, and each of us opening a gift.
I liked the combination of Christmas tree lights and sunlight.
On Christmas Eve, I think a lot about Jesus and the circumstances of His humble but holy birth. He is the true light of the world.
The gift I opened was a Boston Temple-shaped ornament that David made with pictures he put on it.
I of course love it!
Next year, John will be with us. (Knock on wood!)
I watch one of my favorite movies, It's a Wonderful Life!, every Christmas Eve evening. It was so nice having David to watch it with this year. I fell asleep against his arm for part of it. 😴
I like to take pictures of the tree, presents, and stockings once Santa has come before I go to bed!
Even without little kids, Christmas Eve night is still magical.
"D" is for David. "Donna," too, but this is David's stocking. 😄
And here's mine.
I wish I still went by "Josaleen." It's prettier and more unique than "Donna." Ah well.
Sam made me a present that I was excited to open the next morning.
It really was a special Christmas Eve: me and David's first one together, and the last one for the foreseeable future without John (hopefully!).
