Christmas Eve, Part II

This year, we went to the early Christmas Eve Mass instead of Midnight Mass. I really enjoy Midnight Mass, but the early Mass is much better suited for families with kids. There were tons of kids there, so Evan’s cheering didn’t seem so disruptive. That kid loves church…well, he likes to cheer and clap in church, but not sit still. In fact, he spent a good part of the service crawling in the aisle to pick up bits of pine that had fallen from a wreath. He's really into picking up anything that's out of place right now, trash included. After Mass, Zach went to get a close up look at the Nativity Scene. He was enthralled, but wanted to move the animals around.

Later that evening, we made tacos for dinner, borrowing a tradition from some friends, and baked Christmas cookies for Santa.

Mmmmm, cookie dough!

Zach and Evan left cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer...

...but Evan didn't quite understand that he couldn't eat the cookies.

We sprinkled some oats in the front yard so the reindeer would be sure to stop at our house, and read Christmas stories before settling in for a long winter’s nap.