Traditions of Christmas 2010

This year we decided to do Christmas a little different but familiar to us.  Every year I can't help but to reminisce about my childhood Christmases and every year I feel the need to add some of those traditions to our traditions.  This year we decided to make Guatemalan tamales.  When we were little I remember how cool it was to watch my mom, grandma and aunts laughing and making tamales on Christmas Eve day.  So this year, even though it was only my sister Pinky's family and ours, we made tamales.  The girls, Drew and Ruby, also helped.  My sister's house was filled with the awesome aromas that took us back to those Christmases in Guatemala.  It was amazing.  I am hoping that we can keep up this tradition and hopefully add more family to the mix. 

As usual, on Christmas Eve, the children went to bed as the grownups stayed up chatting.  Santa came at midnight as usual and the children woke up to unwrap their presents.

Santa decided to take our presents to our house.  So, Drew decided we should chase after him.  On the way we ran into one of the reindeer crossing the street! Through the foggy night we kept getting glimpses of Rudolph's nose until we finally got home. 
Drew was so excited to see lots of gifts under the Christmas tree and even a half drunken glass of milk that Santa got himself, since we forgot to leave some out for him.

Frankie was in California with his dad and got to open his presents here at home yesterday, Sunday Dec. 26th.  He was surprised to see that Santa as we should expect was very forgiving and got him another iPod even though he lost the one he got last year. 

Drew got a Lala Loopsy from Abuelita which was a hit! and Frankie got a Fushigi ball.

All and all it was a great Christmas!