An Eve to remember....

~Mama Jane's always perfect Christmas setting~ ~Presley received her first American Girl Doll from Mommy Jane...and named her "Suzie"~

~The whole Hill clan...~

~Best Cousins...Presley and Graham~

~Papa Danny likes to play Santa..~

~A little Christmas lovin'~

~Ashley and Presley play with Nana Terri~

~Joseph plants a kiss on Ashley~

Christmas Eve is always special. Each year it begins with lunch at Nana and Papa's house. We exchange gifts and have a grand time. After a couple of hours, Papa hints that it is time for a nap, so we all say our goodbyes and leave. We then head home for a little rest. Once rested, we trek back to Conyers for the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Conyers. This is one of our most cherished traditions. Communion is served, and it is always funny because invariably one of the Hill children spills the purple grape juice on themselves or someone close by. Never fails.

After singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" we head to Mama Jane's house. Sushi dinner is waiting for us every year on her ornately decorated table. She never misses a beat with her perfectly placed linens and Christmas china. I know you are all thinking, "sushi???" Well, it has come to be a much anticipated meal, due to the over indulgence of turkey, ham, and casserole dishes we have eaten since Thanksgiving.

After our meal, chaos ensues. Wrapping paper flying everywhere, children screaming with delight at the gifts and toys. Ahhhhh, it's Christmas!!!!

The end of the evening finds us loading our car to capacity with toys and gifts and putting sleepy, yet anxious little children in the car to go home. One last drive by the Christmas lights in Olde Town and then home is our final destination.

Once home, the reindeer food is sprinkled outside on the grass, and the cookies and milk are set out for Santa. The children say their prayers and get in their warm beds. All is calm, and all is bright.

Christmas Eve is and always will be magical.

still humming Silent Night,

me