Christmas Eve day, which is a thing by the way, is usually spent getting ready for the evening’s festivities. We bring up all the bits of fabric that are used as costumes for the nativity play, the kids go through the dress up box and our closets to supplement them. There are discussions as to who will be which character, they check to be sure their stocking is hanging for the 1500th time, they each take turns asking me if I have saved some cookies for Santa, they count the presents under the tree, trying to guess the contents of each one as they do so, and of course, they play with their stuffed animals in the tree. Yes, you read that right.
I believe this tradition started with Nicholas when he was very small, but it has continued on through the years. Everyone still participates, and it is a great way, in my opinion, to spend some of the exciting hours before the big event. I am usually busy in the kitchen, or in my room wrapping presents, so I don’t know exactly WHAT they are playing. But it always involves stuffed animals and the tree.
This year we started a new tradition, Chris helped me cook the meal! He really wanted homemade raviolis like his mom would make, but they are so.much.work, and pretty much none of the children likes them. Which means I end up cooking two meals. Um, no. But he promised he would help cook, and we tried out 3 different fillings, trying to find something the kids would like. 
It was actually very fun hanging out in the kitchen together, although I don’t think it ended up being any faster. And even though more of the children ate the ravioli than in years’ past, it still wasn’t a huge hit. But Chris and I thought they were delicious, and at least they stayed together in one piece this year!
Sophie always helps me set such a lovely table. We both like to have things match and be just so. No matter whose turn it is to actually set the table, she always volunteers on holidays! 
After dinner was cleaned up it was time for the play! It’s such a simple thing, but it really helps us all remember what we are celebrating, and brings the right spirit into our home. That feeling of thankfulness for the Savior’s sacrifice carries over to being thankful for any, and every, thing they receive the next morning.
When the play was finished, we put away the costumes, turned off all the lights, and sat in a circle around the tree. The beautiful glow of the tiny bulbs reflected off all our faces, as we sang carols to our King. It sounds perfect, and for a small moment, it truly was heaven on earth. 
And then of course, someone bumped into someone else because they were swaying too hard, and a skerfuffle ensued, thereby ending the evening. See, we’re normal, too. 🙂
They put out milk and cookies for Santa, a carrot for the reindeer, and made sure we would blow out all the candles before we went to bed. They didn’t want to risk Santa getting burned! Chris and I stayed up a little while longer, wrapping a few presents and watching “Elf”. Then we went to bed to await Santa’s arrival and all the excitement of the next day.