Christmastime is here

Things have slowed down just enough for me to have time to post. Amazing what a cold/flu will do to simplify one's life! I don't recommend it though. I missed three days of work and both Christmas parties at the ministry.
I got to take some time off a few days ago. It was so nice to sleep in and go shopping during the day. Our family went on the traditional "Christmas light looking" drive last night. We always pile into the van, put on some festive music, and drive around for a couple hours looking at neighborhoods. This year our grandparents and a friend came along. First year we got to carpool! In the past, my siblings and I would dub the best lighted house the "Gingerbread House".
Our tree is decorated with just white, silver and some blue this year. Mom has tried to have a themed tree before but we protested that ALL the lights and decorations should go on the tree. This year we shrugged, thought it sounded nice, and it is hehe It was decorated in stages as the stand was broken. My dad and brother came the rescue and made a new one. Nothing's gonna bring the tree down this year!
As Christmas gets closer we begin to check the tree each day for new presents. Usually the siblings put out their gifts first. Mom and dad wait til right before Christmas to put any out. And we know they have some cuz we aren't allowed in their room without permission! Every year we "argue" about whether or not to open a gift on Christmas Eve. I prefer to leave them all til the next morning, along with sleeping in. Last year my siblings woke me up like at 6:30, in spite of my protests. We'll see what happens this year.