{Christmas Eve 2010}

Christmas Eve just may be my favorite day on the holiday calendar. This year, we made

it totally festive -- filled with traditions from every angle.

New tradition: Make-your-own-pizza night

It was a first time, hopefully annual tradition to-be, inspired by Pam (my SIL). And it

was a total success. I want to do this every year on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The

only thing I was disappointed with was my lack of capturing it all with my camera. I

missed the shot of my ingredient bar (all fresh and organic) and our finished pizzas. I

mean, what am I new? I know better. Anyway, Sandy and Jim were here. So, we all got

into it together. Jim was in charge of music. :) My favorite pizza? Potato and fresh

rosemary on thin crust with olive oil base and light freshly grated mozzarella. Mmmm.

Inspiration for a possible upcoming tradition: Caroling

No holiday is complete if I'm not moved to tears at some point. On Christmas Eve, that

moment came when the Hendricks paid us a surprise visit to say Merry Christmas. Jim

opened the door and the sound of holiday singing filtered into the house. I didn't know

it was them at first, but I heard the singing, and the tear ducts sprang into action. It was

so beautiful and so sweet! Barb and I decided we were going to coordinate a caroling

group next year. Neither of us have ever done it, and we just think it would be so much

fun to dress up and go door-to-door singing to unsuspecting people. I can't wait!

What's shaping up to be an every-other-year tradition: Christmas lights tour

There are some serious holiday decorators in these parts. I mapped out our course,

and it took us a light display coordinated to music and to homes with more lights in

their yards than in our whole neighborhood combined. I usually take popcorn, hot

chocolate and candy canes, but we were all fooded out from the pizzas. So, we brought

some of Jenny's holiday bark incase our sugar rush subsided at all. We wouldn't want

that, now would we?

Well-established tradition: Christmas Eve PJs

Each person opens one gift on Christmas Eve night, and -- surprise! -- Santa's helper

brought everyone PJs. We scurry into them and wake up feeling pretty and cozy on Christmas morning. They make for perfect breakfast and gift opening loungewear.

That's a wrap on Christmas Eve 2010! I hope next year brings as much happiness,

family, friends, and tradition.