Our Texas Christmas was a warm one and I’m quite okay with that. Our children enjoyed so many gifts from our family to our extended family. On Christmas Eve, we gathered around our tree for a DIY mini game show, had a candlelight dinner and listened to the story of why we celebrate Christmas. We turned on some Christmas tunes to add to the ambiance. It turned out really nice and we had a very relaxing weekend together.
Punch Box Game on Christmas Eve
Jason spent hours the night before assembling this cardboard punch box game which consisted of cardboard box compartments. It was covered with gift wrapping paper and the prize behind the red windows were eggs filled with miniature figurines.
Christmas Eve Dinner
For dinner, we baked Brown Sugar Chicken, steamed brussel sprouts, maple glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. For drinks, the kids had pink lemonade while Jason and I had Moiselle Moscato.
During dinner Jason read from Luke 2, the story of the birth of Jesus. Our children were very good listeners and surprisingly sat still. Later, we baked a cookie that really wasn’t eaten so it was left for the big guy. Jason happen to see one of those basic cookie make in a flat pan next to one of the Ginger Bread kits. I would rather make them scratch. Corban shared his reindeer food that he made at his first grade class party to spread on the lawn. They enjoyed the magic of pouring something on the front lawn. I’m glad none of it was spilt in my home. Glitter is the gonorrhea of crafts.
What Are My Favorite 2021 Christmas Gifts?
This particular year we tolerated our 11 year old washer machine. We have had to increase the amount of washes with reducing the load capacity to avoid potential damage to our clothes. Many times our daughters undergarments, pants were ripped to shreds in the washer machine from the agitator. Home Depot had the best price and size for a new washer machine. This Samsung White Top Load Washing Machine with Vibration Reduction Technology+ has a 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity. I needed a machine that has the capability to wash a king size comforter and if you ever wondered what is that magic number to look for –it is a minimum of 4.5 cu. ft. Home Depot also provided home delivery and took away our old washer. Home Depot was ahead of schedule and they installed it smoothly. (A year ago, we bought another dryer from Lowes. It was a bit of a hassle and they did not have the labor to deliver.)
Jason’s favorite gift is a AXIOM DISCS Voyager Lite Disc Golf Backpack Bag. In 2020, my husband picked up a new hobby of throwing discs to metal baskets on various courses. We do live near a course that is consistently rated as one of the best courses in Texas which is located at Harry Myers Park. The bag can fit 20-22 discs, it’s light and it sits upright.
Hopper Balls are a huge hit in our home and it’s amusing to see my children bounce around to see which one can make it to the finish line. It can be competitive and it doesn’t need batteries.
This year we wanted to focus on games that we can all play like Exploding Kittens. It’s like Uno, except there are goats, magical enchiladas, and kittens that can kill you. Another game we have been playing for hours on is Scrabble with our son mostly. Either way, he is learning math and words. Yes, we help him along the way and I would say he may be a fierce competitor in the future now that he knows about Qi.
What Are My Favorite 2021 Christmas Ornaments?
In my son’s last week of school, he showed me what he made in art class with his thumb on this tile. I love this idea and told him that I will love to hang this on our tree. Which he was very ecstatic about. We don’t really trim the tree with a theme. It’s a bit stressful for me because the kids yank off the balls or hide some of the characters. Maybe next year, we will improve to leave the tree alone once it is decorated. Am I the only one that has this problem? Tell me your Christmas favorites in the comments below.
Thank you for stopping by and from our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
