Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

And mama in her 'kerchief', and i in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winters nap.

So, the big days is, now, one sleep away and i'm sure we're all fully into the Christmas swing. One of the things i love most about Christmas is that this season is full of Christmas traditions, and my family, and i, are no different. This year, the run up to Christmas has been a little different, which is sad but also very exciting, as i travelled up to Bristol to witness my Mr's brother and, now, sister-in-law get married in a beautiful Wintery service, so the beginning of my Christmas eve is being spent beating off the public to get home. When i arrive home, the traditions will fall back into place and my day will be spent with plenty of these:

these:

and this:

(Church images sourced from We Heart It)

One of our great family traditions is that on Christmas eve, me and my parents go to our local church, or Peterborough Cathedral depending on how far we want to go, and attend the Christmas eve Midnight Mass. My parents attend church regularly, on a Sunday, and are active members of the community so we'd attend a service at some point of Christmas anyway, my personal favourite is Midnight Mass, as i just feel it's much more Christmassy, warm and festive.

How will you be spending your Christmas eve?

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings and turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But i heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Goodnight!"

K|xo