Christmas Day 2018

Finally the big day.  Can I just say with teens it's tough getting ready for Christmas day because they never want to go to bed.  Just when we come in from a lovely evening with family they are sure it's time to pop in a movie and stay up as long as possible.  They also aren't really interested in waking up super early to open gifts.  Poor Aubrey was a little frustrated with everyone.  She confided, "Mom, it's kind of annoying living with a houseful of teens because they aren't excited about Christmas at all.  I sorted the packages into piles yesterday and nobody even got up from the couch to see their stack.  AND nobody wants to get up early for Christmas morning, but I don't care...I am still going to be excited!!!"  I feel for her.  Last year she had Tanner in her court at least.  I am pretty sure all of the kids were excited to open up their gifts and really to give their gifts as well.  They just don't show it by being giddy anymore.  

Aub set an alarm and woke us up.  She was alone in the hall for at least 10 waiting for older siblings to Get Out Of Bed.

The traditional "waiting in the hall" picture. 

Santa gifts!  Here is what I remember...Brinley: slippers, jewelry, a super soft BYU blanket and wireless headphones.
Parker: fuzzy crocks, slides, slim wallet and a travel bag. Tanner: basketball, duffel bag and Warriors shirt.  Aubrey: keyboard, stuffed animal to warm up in the microwave, spa stuff.

I love watching the kids exchange gifts with each other.  They spend their own money and they are always very thoughtful with the gifts they give each other.  I'm trying to remember a few from this year.  Aubrey gave the boys light up BYU charging cords and Brinley a face mask including spa day at home by Aubrey. Tanner gave Parker a headset for the XBox, Brinley fuzzy pjs, and Aubrey charms for her bracelet.  Park and Bryn went in together and gave Tanner small beaded magnets that are addicting and fun to mess with.  Parker gave Aubrey some nice body wash he won at a white elephant party and he gave Brinley new earphones.  Brinley gave Aub charms for her bracelet and Parker an Air pod case.

Bri and I exchanging stockings.

Gram and Gramp make the rounds to each house on Christmas Day.  They gave BYU jackets to the boys and BYU sweatshirts to the girls this year.  We gave them a photo calendar, a Max Lucado Christmas book and a Star Wars Bop It toy.  They also give the adults a stocking each year which Bri and I look forward to.  It is stuffed with chocolate and gum and lip balm and flashlights and colored pens and lots of great treasures big and small.

I asked Bryn what gift she was most excited to give and this was top on her list.  She and Bri tease back and forth and this book was perfect.  

Tanner gave this Xbox headset to Park.  He said "I definitely spent the most money on Parker's gift but it's okay because it's for me too."

Gram and Gramp were moving on to the Birds and the Chris Vores but we were able to visit with them later that afternoon for a yummy Christmas dinner at their house.

Tanner kept proclaiming that he was not going to wrap one present for Christmas this year.  I did provide him with Christmas bags and tissue paper at one point which helped some.  This is how he wrapped my present.  Silly boy. (They were pretty silver earrings which I love!)  

Aubrey received this beautiful blanket from sweet Sister Applegate.  She has been her Activity Day leader for the past year or two.   Aubrey was thrilled.

Grandma and Grandpa G sent the kids super soft, fuzzy blankets.  Those will definitely be put to good use.  They also sent a really fun movie night pack which included a big popcorn bowl filled with popcorn and candy and free movie codes to use at Redbox, 

We had two big gifts to discover.  For one Bri made a scavenger hunt that led the kiddos to a ping pong paddle set.  The table wasn't going to be delivered until the 26th.  They were pleased.  For the other big gift he put together a paper puzzle for the kids to put together.  When they finished and flipped it over it was supposed to say "Let's Go Skiing!"  They were excited but totally cracking up because they put the puzzle together and it totally fit...but when they turned it over it was all out of whack.  Park was practically in tears he was laughing so hard.  He said "How can this be so right and yet so wrong at the same time."  Wish I would have snapped a picture of the final piece.

I should have "made" everyone take a picture when we were all dressed up for the Christmas Eve gathering.  This one sums  up the true Gwilliams pretty well though....
Merry Christmas 2018.