Christmas Eve 2021

It was a beautiful day out so Haley and I (maybe not so safely) loaded up all the kids and took them to the park.

Midnight Mass

New Matching Jammies for Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Mass

I know I say it every year, but this will always be my favorite Christmas tradition.  When I was a kid it was at midnight and we would open presents, eat supper, and take naps before church.  Luckily it was at 8:00 this year and the kids did really well.

Most impressive was this photo that Haley captured with less than five tries quickly in the back or church before we sat down.  We even match the wreaths!

Our attempts at my parents' house before didn't turn out as well.

Hugging on cousin Axel.

Soooo sleepy!

Midnight Mass (also known as Bedtime Church)

It wouldn't be Christmas without my favorite Christmas tradition, Midnight Mass or as Ollie called it this year, Bedtime Church.  Unlike when we were kids, it wasn't at midnight, but at 8:00pm this year which was totally fine with me as it was already enough past their bedtime.

I love everyone singing Silent Night by candlelight and the kids loved each having their own candle.  In past years we had real candles which I preferred, but these battery operated ones were much more kid friendly.

Of all the cool things done at Midnight Mass nothing compares to Santa's arrival.  He kneels before Baby Jesus in the manger and leaves as quietly as he came.  It is simply the best and gets me every time!