nikkilugi2

We always go to my Grandma's house on Christmas Eve - ever since I was a little kid. My mom is one of 7 kids so the house is full to the brim of people. We all show up around 7 pm and eat dinner - usually finger foods, watch whatever college bowl game that is on and then we open presents. We did have to move the party from my Grandma's house, since she is 90 and doesn't get around well anymore - to my Aunt's house. But otherwise everything is still the same except last year we added a dirty santa game to the mix.

The fun for me seemed a little lost - mostly because like many, my kids are getting older and I don't need to be in Toys R Us shopping for that hot toy anymore. However, last year I took my daughter out on Friday morning and we went out Black Friday shopping and she absolutely LOVED it. She is already talking about going again and I have to admit, her enthusiasm is super contagious and it is making me excited again to do something fun together. She is 11 (almost 12) and since a lot of big stores open on Thanksgiving - when we go out on Friday morning the crowds are small and manageable and we have a lot of fun together. I agree with Len - starting a new tradition and making it fun is pretty awesome! Now I just need to make sure my daughter earns some money doing chores so she doesn't spend all mine, lol.