Christmas 2024

When I was a little girl, on Christmas morning, my siblings 

and I would eagerly wake up and rush into my parents' bedroom, 

often before the sun had even risen. Dressed in our Christmas pajamas, 

we could barely contain our excitement.

There, the Christmas tree sparkled, and a pile of presents awaited us.

(Now I understand why they were so sleepy on Christmas morning! 

They probably only got an hour of sleep prepping the night before).

My dad would pretend to reluctantly get out of bed to see if

Santa had come.

Then we’d hear the crackling sound of the fire in the fireplace and

 Johnny Mathis singing Christmas songs at full volume

loud enough, the neighbors could probably hear.

This was all part of the lead-up to the most exciting moment of the year!

Then he'd come back to his bedroom where my mom and 

all nine of us kids were waiting patiently.

Then he'd say, "Santa must have had a hole in his sack,

there are so many presents out there, I could hardly get

to the fireplace!"

I bet if you asked each of my siblings, this moment, 

and those words would be one of their Christmas memories, too.

Well, Santa must have had a hole in his sack when he

came to the Nielson home, too!

As Jane would say, Christmas this year was a 10/10

Christmas Eve!

 The Nielson Christmas Eve started early with a Stephanie-led 

Barre3 class in the church's primary room with all of us 

(except for Gigs, who, again, spent time in the church wheelchair 

practicing his wheely.)

It was one of the best classes I have taught.

I'm starting to feel more comfortable in teaching.

Sometimes it's so frustrating to teach because, 

I totally forget certain cues for postures, but I'm gradually overcoming my initial nerves,

and my confidence grows with each class I teach.

Once I officially certify, I can start teaching community classes.

This journey has been challenging, but I’m committed.

We rushed home to shower, change, and get ready for the 

Nutcracker ballet in Raleigh.

It was so much fun dressing up.

Christmas Eve vibes are the best.

The ballet was so lovely, even if Gigs slept on my shoulder

for the entire first part.

After, we went to dinner, and while we waited for food,

the girls took some very lovely photos of each other.

So, enjoy:

...

Gigs was there, too.

Then we went home, unwrapped our new Christmas pajamas, 

drank Liquid Gold hot chocolate, and had our family

 Christmas devotional with singing and reading Luke 2.

Singing Christmas songs with my family was really comical,

but also very spiritual, too.

I was feeling lots of feelings.

Gratitude to God for His son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

How happy I was feeling having my children around me,

and perhaps I was contemplating what next Christmas Eve would look like.

Gigs will be gone on his mission.

The way things are going, Claire will probably be married,

and who knows what and where Jane and Ollie will be.

Things can change so quickly, can't they?!

Christian and I stayed up until 2:30 watching movies

and wrapping presents.

Typical Christmas Eve for us, and we love it.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Adam!

 

In my house, we celebrate Christmas Adam,

 the day before Christmas Eve.

It's also the Scandinavian holiday, Lille Julaften

In past years, we've celebrated this in other ways,

This year, we introduced Elvin to our family.

Elvin is a Clark family staple.  I grew up with Elvin (my dad)

and as the years went on, Elvin changed (my brothers), 

and changed again (my nephews).

This year, Elvin came from the North Pole to North Carolina! (Gigs!).

He brought gifts, music, and some good laughs.

We had a fun little party with our dear friends, the Snarrs

in their lovely home.

Because let's face it, Christmas is more fun with little kids,

Elvin is so much more fun with kids!!

I can't wait until my own little grandNIEbabies!

Before the party, we gathered around the table and had dinner

while helping Gigs get his Elvin costume figured out.

I dubbed this week as "board week."

All dinners would be charcuterie board-style.

Easy, simple, and fun.

Tonight was Indian food night with a special drink.