Christmas's Long Long Ago....

As a child I remember Christmas traditions so fondly. I remember driving to Preston to see the lights each year - I remember getting lost trying to find that one really cool house with all the lights. I remember my dad getting so mad and saying he was never going again. I remember decorating for Christmas - and I love sitting in the dark with the Christmas tree lights on. I remember our family Christmas Eve party with my dad's sister and my cousins. We would play this dress up game that everyone complained about but we always laughed so much. I look back at those pictures of my Grandma and Grandpa McBride and I miss them. I remember how my Grandpa would tease my Grandma so much. I remember their Hawaiian palm tree with a few decorations, and the little fold out nativity scene. I remember sneaking up the stairs with my brother to see what Santa had brought during the night and scared we were going to get caught. I remember sitting at the bottom of the stairs yelling for my parents to get up at five in the morning so we could open presents. I remember each Cabbage Patch Kid I got for Christmas and how excited I was. I remember never having a bad Christmas. I remember going to my Grandpa Ronald's and Grandma Patty's house for Christmas lunch. I remember the smells and the food and how much they loved us. I remember their orange Christmas tree and crowding around that little living room with the whole family opening presents. I remember the way they hid hundred dollar bills in unique places for my uncles, one year in a fortune cookie. I remember my Grandpa Ronald teaching me how to make chocolates one year. Mine are never as good as his were, but I'm glad he taught me.

I want my kids to have those same feelings when they look back at Christmas in 20-30 years. Here are some of the fun things we have done this December -

Max & my Mom

We had friends and family over for a holiday breakfast, we had so much fun visiting with everyone, and making new friends! This is something we hope to do next year too! Grace and Max were so good, they love having people over!

We took the kids to temple square this week to see the lights. The family picture didn't turn out so so well, but I think you can see how bundled up the kids were. It was so cold, but so beautiful. We listened to story of Christ's birth and then President Hinckley's words about Christmas. We have done this for the past three years, and I never get tired of seeing the temple grounds all lit up.

We also drove around Kaysville and Layton looking at the lights, Grace loves them. She says "Oh mom, I like it. I like it." Mike suggested we drive around every other night because Grace has never been so calm in the car!

So, from the Tyler's to you - may your holiday's be filled with traditions, family, friends and the Savior!