"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Agreed! It has been a very busy month getting prepared for the big Christmas Season. It brings lots of work, especially for the female members of the family but can be the most rewarding and spiritual time of the year as well. I am thankful for this time of year to reflect on my Savior and what His birth and life means to me. We need to remember those things in our daily lives but the feelings at Christmas becomes so prevalent and it seems that opportunities to give and share become more evident.

The anticipation of the season was definitely in our household. As we realized that Grandpa and Grandma Fackrell would be with us this year, the planning intensified. It was fun to have many of the family plan to spend their Christmas with us as well. We met Lorna in Downey a week before Christmas to pick up Grandpa and Grandma. We spent a week in preparation for the holiday and I was able to be with them as we shopped, went to church, dined out and spent time with family members. The week seemed to fly by.

Marc, Gretchen & boys and Nicci, Chris and boys arrived on Christmas Eve afternoon, as well as Matt and Amanda, and Mike, Christina and kids. There was the sugar cookie decorating contest before food was served. The big winner was Mike S., with Brigham and Chris in 2nd and 3rd place. So much fun!

"1st Place" Cookie

And the winner is .....

2nd Place - Brigham

3rd Place - Chris

The traditional Christmas Eve Snack was spectacular as usual with the typical crab, shrimp, smoked turkey, ham, stuffed mushrooms, smoked oysters, rolls, vegetable plate, raspberry & tapioca pudding, and on and on! So good! But we found the leftover meals were even better!

The Christmas Eve Snack "Staple"
(So good. Thanks, Marc & Gretchen)

Cooking of the crab is "menfolks" job

Meanwhile, the women g0t the table set up for the rest of the "irresistible" goodies!

The table seemed a bit less congested this year and yet we had so many leftovers to eat all weekend plus more!

After eating everyone that had new Christmas pajamas changed into their night wear. It is always fun to watch the excitement of the night!

The Hale Boys

(Cooper, Kaden, Tucker, and Ivan)

Hiram was off to show everyone his "soft jammies"

Even Great-Grandma was ready for "a long winter's nap"!

And Christmas morning ....

The traditional wait on the stairs .... some seem to still be sleepy ...
(It's all about tradition ...)

Jake could have used a few more minutes of sleep!



The adults watch the morning activities.

It "makes" Christmas for us to have the kids around. I can't imagine having a Christmas without some of them around! We had a wonderful day sharing in their excitement and fun of the day. Thanks, everyone, for letting us be a part of Christmas with you! It really was fun for us!

Yet and always mindful of whom we truly celebrate. We enjoy being together with family and friends and yet we know that it is the birth of our Lord, Savior and brother, Jesus, that has brought us together on this occasion. We have so many blessings that come from His life and His sacrifice in our behalf.

It truly is "The most wonderful time of the year"!