Christmas Eve with the Tyndalls

We're always with my family on Christmas Eve. Matt misses his family's catfish stew tradition, but he doesn't mind too much since we get to be with his family most of Christmas Day.

I love Christmas Eve. This year, we were pretty relaxed during the day. Matt did his Santa shopping for me, but other than that, we were low key. We met my family for the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Mt Pleasant (my childhood church). It's always good to be back there and see so many familiar faces. And I love taking time to celebrate Jesus with songs and Scripture about His birth.After church, we go back to Mom's house and get ready for fondue dinner. It's tradition, and we've done it for every year but one for at least the last 7 years. For some reason, Mom couldn't remember that but received the same answer from each of us when she asked us what we wanted for Christmas Eve dinner: "Fondue. It's tradition. Except last year you made Mazetti, and that was just weird." Haha, funny!After fondue, we exchange gifts, which recently has become drawing names for one big gift per person and little things for everyone else. Helps things be a little less stressful financially. And it's fun trying to figure out who drew your name. Though it will definitely be harder to figure out when there are more people in the pool. Hopefully more guys will enter the picture soon.

Gifts were great this year! Mom got a zoom mirror and a membership to the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center (weird!?!) and a gift certificate for her concealed weapons license. Laura got some cowboy rain boots, an iTunes gift card, Glee season 1, and some other tv shows. Valerie got a new camera and a new cell phone.Matt also got Glee season 1, Our Planet Earth, Christmas socks and tie, and a gift card.
I got lots of music on my computer, some candles, and a Lane Bryant gift card. I'm sure I forgot some stuff, but that's the gist, I think. :)

The dogs are all part of the Christmas Eve too. Mom gives them all special treats, and it's fun to watch all FOUR of them around the house with their new toys and treats. I only put a few pictures on here, but there's a whole album on Facebook if you want more pictures.

Thanks for such a wonderful Christmas Eve, family! We love you lots!