As has been the format for the last several years, today I worked at Radioshack till mid-afternoon. Pam and the kids went to McDonald’s for lunch.

Then we gathered at the church at 5 for our lesson and carols service. After wishing the congregation Merry Christmas, we came home and had our traditional Christmas Eve snack. On Christmas eve, we also have the children open up their presents to each other and to mom and dad. Mom and dad also exchange presents.

To cap off the night, we watched “Miracle on 34th Street” together. After the movie, Pam and I put out the gifts from “Santa.” It is fun that all the kids still go along with this. Yes, we have taught our children that there was a real person named St. Nicholas and he was a benevolent person, doing good and giving gifts to those who couldn’t afford it.

Tomorrow morning the traditions continue, as we will wake up early, before the sun comes up and open presents and then have dad’s famous breakfast scrambles. (It’s a Rachel Ray recipe, but the kids love it.) I’m looking forward to a resting day and spending it with the family. It has been a great day!