The new Christmas Eve

The winter weather has finally hit Madison. Josh and I are 11 stories up and the snowflakes are dancing past our window. The sky is gray and the city is actually relatively quiet. Of course, we would have preferred having the snow for Christmas, but I think it actually worked out for the best. Since there was no snow or dangerous road conditions over the holiday, we got to spend a lot of quality time with our families and no one had to cancel due to weather.

Our Christmas was amazing. We crammed so much family time into 3 days and truly had an amazing time. It was fun to see how the traditions have shifted and dynamics have changed.

I know that I spoke about the Christmas Eve traditions my family had growing up and being sad that they have changed, but this Christmas Eve was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was almost like Christmas Eve was re-born within the family. Everyone was there, smiling, laughing, and enjoying each other.

Just like the old Christmas Eve’s, prior to dinner we went around the room and shared what we were thankful for and what we are praying for in 2016. Listening to everyone say how thankful they are for family and being together was so special. It was like everyone knew that the past year or two has been difficult but when the rubber met the road, we were all together. 

Then, we got to take family photos with my Mormor (mother’s mother in Swedish). That was hilarious and so much fun.

I loved the way Christmas Eve turned out. It was a beautiful day, and even though it’s evolved over the years, it felt like it always used to.