Sophie did really, really well at First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati‘s Christmas Eve service. She loved the singing, especially the church’s delightful version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” After, we came home for the obligatory family picture in front of the Christmas tree, and then began working on appetizers.
Sophie’s Great Aunt Susie made her a beautiful Christmas dress, which poofed nicely when Sophie stood on top of the heater vent. And when the package arrived in the mail, I opened it, pulled out the dress and Sophie said, “Beautiful!” before I could say a word. She loves it.
Then we had a bit of a smoke-filled-house disaster thanks to the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts I made (Andy was right—I should have used the jelly roll pan to avoid so many drips). There was also a three-muddy-dogs-on-the-dining-room-carpet disaster, which we’re still working on cleaning up. But here you can (sort of) see our appetizer display.
Sophie, of course, enjoyed the cookies best.
Then, she got to partake in a Uhl family tradition and open one gift on Christmas Eve. It was a book that, of course, went to bed with her.
Sophie picked out cookies for Santa, carrots for the reindeer and agreed that a glass of milk was a good idea, too.
She was slightly distracted by the food while reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
OK, a lot distracted. At the end of the story we had to get new cookies for Santa and new carrots for the reindeer.
Then, goodnight hugs and chocolate-flavored kisses. And hopefully, later, visions of sugarplums dancing in her sweet head.
“Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age.” —Carrie Latet
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