Lloyd Christmas

We were super excited for this Christmas because all six of my husband’s siblings would be coming together with their families to celebrate. Jer’s sister had just delivered her baby a week before, family flew in and stayed at their house, and they also hosted everyone for all the festivities. It was a lot to take on, so meals were planned and everyone brought food and cooked together. We had lots of family and cousin time!

Most of the time Christmas Eve is spent wrapping presents, but since we were having Christmas away from home I had to be prepared! This year’s gift wrapping matched our Christmas card colors with bright green paper leaves, navy cardstock tags, and silver script attached to our “brown paper packages tied up with string”. Some had special velvet blue ribbon—those were my favorite!

On Christmas Eve, everyone got to open one present, their pajamas. It was so fun to see some matching family ones, and how comfortable and fitting they were for each person.

The stairs were lined with everyone’s stockings and were the first thing the kids were able to grab when they were allowed to go downstairs in the morning.

Santa left some great gifts out for our kids! The hit seemed to be this battery-operated train on a looping track that the kids just watched and giggled at for hours.

We had some really great family moments this year. One of my favorites was when the kids all got dressed up, and performed the Nativity Story about the birth of our Savior while the primary song played in the background. They were so sweet and we really felt the spirit as they smiled at us and reverently performed without any practice or instruction. How we love our children!

My other favorite moment was when Jer had all the adults in the family gathered and read a few pages from his Dad’s journal to them. It happened to be an entry when he came back from his mission, was in school and working but not sure about what direction his life would take, and he talked about meeting and falling in love with their Mom. It’s been about 12 years since he passed away, so it was wonderful to hear his words about such a special time that brought this entire family together when we were all missing his presence.

Their grandparents and one of their Uncles also paid a visit with their families, and L was able to play her favorite card game “Knock Knock” with them! We love when Grandma and Grandpa can be with us because they are seriously so much fun and filled with love. As we gathered after dinner, Jeremy’s brother read a special blessing given to their Dad that was recorded. Then Grandma and Grandpa shared the story of how they met which they said was a miracle, and we all got to laughing.

I remember why I wanted to marry into this family. They are so much FUN, they are so supportive and loving, and they welcome you with open arms. Reading about and hearing the stories of how 2 generations of my husband’s parents met and got together when they really would never have, and against all odds, tells me that these families are meant to be. Being able to spend time together is surely the best present and way to enjoy the holidays. I hope all of you have had a wonderful adventure wherever you are at in life. Merry Christmas!