The house was still, we were nicely tucked into our beds, but Susan and I were wide awake. Murray was probably fast asleep. Maybe.

“Can you see anything?” I said.

Susan shone the flashlight toward the door, illuminating the stuffed stocking hanging on the doorknob. “Yup, they’re full. Santa came!”

I sat up in my bunk bed. “But I can’t see anything. I think I need to go to the bathroom.” I got up, tippy-toed to the door, and peered into my stocking as I made my way to the bathroom. She was right…Santa did come. Our stockings were filled to the top. I didn’t look too closely because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise for the morning. The anticipation of everything kept us awake.

I came back to bed. “I can’t sleep.”

Susan sat up. “Me neither. Let’s play cards.” I climbed up into her bunk and we shone the flashlight as we giggled our way through the game. Would morning ever come?

Christmas Eve was always a special time for my family. We went to our church service, came home, and put all the presents under the tree (except the special ones from the big guy). Next, we left Santa his snack before heading off to bed.

We would fall asleep for a few hours, but then in the early hours of the morning be wide awake anticipating what was hanging on our doorknobs and the presents under the tree.

My favorite part of Christmas morning was opening my stocking. Once Mom and Dad finally said it was time to get up, we bolted out of our beds, removed our socks from the doorknob, and headed down to our parent’s bedroom. We gathered on their bed and started opening. You see, everything in our stockings was wrapped. It made it fun!

The stocking is still my favorite part of Christmas morning (other than of course the reason WHY we celebrate!). I love opening all the little surprises every year! I have carried this tradition on with Jeff and I. It’s the first thing we do every Christmas morning. So fun! And yes, much to his dismay Jeff does wrap everything!

Even though the socking is fun, we must remember—without Jesus we wouldn’t even be celebrating. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Luke 2:13-14 (VOICE)

At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined by thousands of other messengers—a vast heavenly choir. They praised God. 

Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!