It was a busy Christmas Eve full of Kassel Family traditions. We began the day by saying goodbye to Chippy, our Elf on the Shelf. He returns to the North Pole tonight. Santa made sure to lift Chippy’s magic for just a few minutes so that the kids could hug him goodbye.
Next, I did some grocery shopping (why do I always save this until Christmas Eve?!?) Grandpa Ken and Grandma Marilyn arrived about 11 am to spend Christmas with us, and Andy and John headed out for lunch and some Christmas shopping (why does Andy always save this until Christmas Eve?!?).
Then, it was time to cook, cook, cook! We needed to make and decorate Christmas Cookies to leave for Santa and Night Before Christmas Casserole for Christmas morning breakfast. Laura helped me roll out and cut the cookies.
John helped to make the icing.
BOTH kids helped decorate the cookies and, yes, they both ate one while decorating. The cookies “broke” or so that was the story…
Also, we made Reindeer Food. This is an important part of Christmas Eve. The oats provide food for Santa’s Reindeer and the glitter makes sure that the Reindeer have enough magic to get through the night.
Since Santa has to land our driveway because we don’t have a chimney, the kids always spread the Reindeer Food on the driveway.
After the kids take showers, Andy reads “The Night Before Christmas.”
Then, we set out cookies and milk for Santa.
Usually, we end the night at Christmas Eve Services at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Because Laura was sick for a large part of Christmas Eve, only Andy and John went this year and I stayed home with her. Once John got home and both kids were tucked in their beds, I settled down to read a bit. Shortly before midnight, I heard some noises in our family room… I raced downstairs, but the cookies were mostly eaten and the milk was all but gone by the time I got down there.
I knew Santa had arrived because our stockings were stuffed…
…and presents for Laura and John were by the Christmas tree.
Santa Claus had come and gone!