This is going to be a year of new traditions and modified traditions since it will be the first one that all of the kids won't be home. Only one missing but still not the same - he will bein Calgary actually although I think they are going to Edmonton to visit with some friends they know from school at some point over the holidays - weather permitting of course.

Christmas Eve is very busy here because hubby and oldest daughter sing in church choir which sings at the church services that night - and we do all three of them because of it - 7pm, 9pm, 11pm. It means a late home, big snacktime, late to bed, and then we start the day far later than other families do but it worked well for us when kids were teens. We do a brunch kind of meal which sort of ends up being an afternoon of snacking. Afternoon is spent mostly calling the grandparents and checking out the gifts more indepth. The last couple of years we have actually done our turkeky dinner on boxing day because that is when son's girlfriend could be here too. I liked that it didn't get in the way of enjoying the family on Christmas day too and spread outs the fun more. Besides by boxing day we have stopped snacking on brunch and have room for supper.