Steve's mom and dad hosted the annual cousin talent show and white elephant gift exchange. Hallie was the only one from our family to participate - a piano solo of Silent Night and a last minute impromptu number with her cousins. 
We found a young family that needed a little love this year, so we spent the afternoon at a Target, where the kids picked out gifts for the different aged kids. Hunter was hilarious as he tried finding a gift that a little girl his age would like. Every idea he had somehow revolved around legos, or guns. Luckily, Hallie stepped in to aid in the selection process! 
Before I knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. We made a list of all the things we wanted/needed to do that day to make sure we fit everything in. I love the commentary the kids added to the list. 
I had a gingerbread cookie kit (that we didn't use the year before, don't judge!) that was a huge hit. The cookies were hard as can be but Santa has strong teeth and the reindeer wouldn't mind either! 
We acted out the nativity (with one of my favorite gifts from my mother - homemade costumes) and sung songs. 
We ate dinner with Steve's family. 
We came home to enjoy the neighborhood luminaries and Christmas lights, sparklers (Peruvian tradition), opening Christmas pajamas and a book and reading "Twas the night before Christmas." 
Kids (and even some adults) are so fun on Christmas eve - the stage has been set, the excitement has been building and all they have to do is go to sleep. Easy enough, right? We let Hallie and Hunter sleep in the same room and they thought we were the coolest parents ever. They took a little time to fall asleep, but it was totally worth the faces they had when we agreed to let them do it! It was the best day. The kids were great and cooperative. Steve and I weren't stressing about anything and we truly enjoyed the day as family.
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