The Old, The New, and The In Between

Christmas Eve is always a busy day full of old & new traditions.  We even have a few in between activities that could turn into an old one.

First things first all the presents needed to be wrapped put under the tree.  Dave had a few extra that he set on the table for something fun to do later.  It was time for lunch and an one of the in between things on our list.  Chinese food!!!  We have tried for 4 years to get this one to stick and it has been greeted with groans, sour faces, and picking at the food.  This year the waitress did listen when I ordered for 3 meals.  Everyone picked what they liked and ate.  We did have a few leftovers so Dave & I were happy we could have another quick meal later tonight.  This might be the last time for this in between tradition.

Next stop was the St George Temple Grounds.  The crowds were pretty light due to the rain that had continued to fall.  

Temple Step Picture
Not too far up this year due to rain
and not wanting to visit the emergency room from a slip.

Braving the rain for a picture
We had to have proof of the rain.

Time for a new tradition....A White Elephant Exchange...Build your Christmas Eve with what is the presents.  Dave read Twas The Night Before Christmas but with a twist.

Passing Right or Left
depending on the story.

Time to open
Each one had picked one that they really wanted to open.
Interesting they each ended up with the one they wanted.

Chocolate, Christmas Movie "Elf", checkers,
puzzle, and a family game.

Everyone taking a turn at the puzzle.
Ryder was the most determined and completed
half of it on his own.

This new activity may become our newest tradition.  It was going to be an early night to to early morning church.  However, we had a holdout who stayed up until the very last second.

Would Santa come?  Would we make it to early church?  Will everyone like their presents?