Christmas was wonderful because I got to spend it with my family. I honestly have no idea how I have been so blessed to be apart of this family, because they are amazing and I would not be who I am today without them. We tried something new for Christmas this year and even though I was kind of against it before we tried it I am really glad that we did. I have always been one that does not do well with change, but changes is good and usually brings about necessary growth and improvement.

This year we opened all of our gifts on Christmas eve, aside from our gifts from Satan Claus. I think it was a wonderful change, because it helped all of us to focus more on the real meaning of Christmas on Christmas day rather than all of the new and exciting gifts that we received. We also got to sleep in until 8:00am on Christmas day and that never happens! The kids are usually so excited about opening their presents that they we are being herded like cattle into the living room around 6:30 (and that's after they have been waiting patiently in their beds since 5:30 to wake us up)! Honestly the kids make Christmas the memorable experience it is each year and I wouldn't dream of toning down their excitement just to get a little more sleep on Christmas morning. Kids teach me how to love every little detail about life, to remember the small things that I so often look past because I am so busy thinking about the next task that I need to get done or whatever else is on my mind on any particular day. I love my little siblings. They teach me so much about what is truly important in life and they are absolutely adorable! I'm very glad that we have begun this new tradition of opening our gifts on Christmas eve and I'm being more open minded about any changes to family traditions that may come in the future. Change is good.