Every year my husband and I have several rules for the kids to follow. Absolutely no leaving their rooms until my husband and I are up. We usually set our alarms for 7am, though I hear the kids from 6am on. They can go into each others rooms but not down the hall to peek downstairs at the presents. When we do get up (my husband and I) the kids have to wait till I get the christmas lights on and my coffee started (haha) and the video camera ready. Then I stand at the bottom of the stair case and tell the kids to come dowstairs that "Santa" has come. (More like telling a herd of buffalo!). Its great the way because I can tape them and their faces upon seeing the christmas tree with all the presents surrounding it.
Anyone else have some rules the kids have to follow? My sister lets hers just get up whenever and run downstairs, but I think its better when mom and dad are up.
Maybe "rules" is a harsh term, but couldn't think of any other term to describe it. LOL