We have three days of traditions to celebrate Christmas: day one is on December 23 and involves going to a movie and out to eat. This year Aubrey joined us for the first time, we saw Ferdinand and had dinner at Curran's in our old neighborhood. We added a trip to the Holidazzle village in Loring Park to our outings this year as well to take in the Christmas fireworks. The evening was a success and the perfect primer to the Christmas weekend!
When Christmas Eve rolls around, we spend the morning opening gifts to one another and enjoying some quiet time before the larger festivities begin. This year we had a large midday meal at my in-law's house, followed by a gift exchange and the mystery gift dice game ("bingo" as dubbed by them - although it is not bingo).
Christmas morning comes and we check out what Santa brought us in our stockings and for gift(s). We then head to my family's house for a gift exchange, brunch and general relaxation time. When we get home from their house we order Chinese food to wrap up the festivities.
It was a great Christmas this year and is getting even more fun as the girls get older. In addition to our regular celebrations, Patrick had the 26th off this year so we took the girls to the Mall of America to use gift cards that they received for Build-A-Bear and Nickelodeon Universe. We were definitely NOT the only ones who had this idea, but it turned out to be a fun day!
Here's to wrapping up 2017 with a bang as we look forward to 2018!
