Christmas...until next year!

Christmas has come and gone…let the countdown until next year start again.

Tonight Alayna and I looked at the pictures of Christmas Day. Alayna said with a squeal and her hands to her mouth, “I love Christmas Day!” I think that expression was exactly how we all felt this holiday season. It was so much fun. We did have a few set backs, thanks to my Mom, but she has learned her lesson…Right? Other than that, it was wonderful.

The traditions started early on Christmas Eve with making my personal favorite holiday treat. What is better than holly and berry wreaths? Nothing if you ask me. You mix corn flakes, melted marshmallows, green food coloring and the best part, cinnamon candies on top. They are very scrumptious. Alayna and the cousins enjoyed taking turns putting on three candies per cookie.
The next tradition is a Suker tradition of giving a new Christmas book each year. I wrapped up two books, one for Alayna and one for Jacob. At nap time we decided to have her open her book. We figured the night events would be late enough as is, so she would enjoy her book then. She anxiously opened her book and then said, “Jakey, is sleeping can I open his book too?” She of course opened both books and fell asleep excited to wake up because it would be just a little closer to Christmas.

The next tradition is truly the one we count down till the following year. The food. I’m sure you all guessed that too. We have the same meal year after year. It is delightful. We all helped out to make it a great success. Chicken cordon Bleu, Rice, lemon sauce, raspberry blueberry cream cheese jell-o, gross green bean casserole (I have yet to enjoy this one!), Sarah’s salad, buttery yummy heavenly rolls with salad supreme sprinkled on top. Oh…it is so yummy. I wonder why we are only allowed to have this once a year? But for some reason it takes extra special on this night! It’s probably the tradition of all being around the table at candle light. Each year it has been fun, because our family group keeps growing and growing. Before we know it we will be having the adult only table and the kids table. This year we needed four high chairs – that’s a hard request to make. Thankfully, the babies did great and the food was just as good as previous years.

A new tradition added this year was the reenactment of the birth of Christ. We had King Harrod, an angel, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Mary, The Wiseman, a Shepard, and our narrator reading the bible story. It was a quick production and it was wonderful to have all the children play the different parts. I’m sure each year it will get better and better.

The very last tradition is the main event. It is what completes the holiday feeling of giving for us all. After dinner we gather all together in the living room at my parent’s house and my dad teaches us the importance of giving to others a special gift that they are unable to give themselves. It is special to look around our group and to see all nine grandkids sitting as reverently as possible listening to, Papi. This tradition started years and years ago with my parents anonymously giving a turkey to a family in need. This is the meager beginning and recently we have abundantly given to multiple families in need. It is a complete joy to share the spirit of giving to a needy family. We do the delivery anonymously, we ring the door bell and ditch. Except we hide. We hide to listen to the grateful hearts of the families in need. We have heard many thankful expressions, “God bless you... Thank you... It must be Santa... Oranges…Oranges…We get to have Oranges on Christmas.” In these moments of complete gratitude and humility our hearts have all been touched. We loose our thoughts and desires to have Christmas. We for a few moments long to keep giving and to keep sharing of our bounteous blessings. It truly is so emotionally moving and rewarding to do this each year. Each year we know the family. We know the needs, we know their hearts. We simply want them to know how much we love and appreciate them. We especially want them to know that the Lord is watching out for them and sending others to do what he would do for them.

The night was a late one. The children quickly found themselves sleeping snuggly in their new pajamas and huddled in their sleeping bags upstairs together. A tradition started years ago when we all (the four sisters, four brothers in laws and all grandkids) sleep in the same house. This year was especially special because it might be the last year we all gather and open presents together. (If I have any say in it, it will not be the last year! Even if we move, we can always come back!!) Out of convenience we gathered everyone together because all the grandkids are here in our house and two of the four sisters living here. We voted it the Christmas house. Not to mention Todd has the best and most decorations out of anyone. We all hope it will continue for years to come.

The excitement of the morning started early. Alayna was the first to arise and say, “Merry Christmas everybody!” Stockings were the first to be opened and for Alayna the stocking treats were lined up in a neat little order. Does this say something about her personality? Jacob just put his stocking gift straight to his mouth! The end result in gift consumption was overwhelming. Especially to Alayna, because she has received so many of her dream toys. Santa delivered graciously at our house this year. She asked for a play kitchen, food, games, and we can’t forget the Princess Dress Up. She was so lucky to get all of the above. She has enjoyed her princess dress up immensely. I found a great deal on a pop up princess castle at an early morning yard sale with my sister…$1. Yes you read me right! It was such a fantastic deal at one dollar. She has enjoyed placing her dress up treasure box inside of it, and has played for hours.

After a long but such fun morning we were on our way to the next house. Each year we finish up at our house around noon and then head over to Grandma and Grandpa Sukers house in Sandy. It is fun to visit with the Sukers and the Bloomers. After we are filled from Grandma Sukers plethora of food, we went to Grandpa Randy and Grandma Nettie’s house. It was so enjoyable to spend one on one time with them. Alayna was able to carry on one of her favorite traditions of setting up luminaries on the walk way. Even though she freezes she insisted to help Grandma Nettie set them up again.

It made for a very long night, but especially a fantastic day. The holiday season was filled with love, warmth and many new memories. Traditions have been so wonderful to share together as a family. Our traditions have continued to grow and grow, so much that I couldn’t obviously list them all. Thank you to all who were so generous to our family. We love visiting with you and sharing our family. We miss all of you who we couldn’t see because you weren’t in Utah…Maybe next year!