Christmas Eve: A Celebration of Joy, Family, and Faith

Christmas Eve has always held a special place in my heart. In our family, it's not just the night before Christmas—it's the main event. We celebrate big on this day, starting with a beautiful Christmas Eve service (candlelight) that sets the tone for the night. After church, we head home to a house filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. It's a time for dancing, playing games, and soaking in the joy of being together.

This year was especially meaningful. Our family faced many challenges, so having a Christmas was incredibly special. We felt not just blessed but deeply grateful to God for His faithfulness and for His provision in caring for us in ways only He can. We felt s
o blessed to share excellent food and be together as a family. As challenging as this year was, every detail felt like a miracle.

A Moment That Captured His Heart

During the Christmas Eve service, my youngest was restless and ready to bolt. He squirmed in his seat, anxious and clearly wishing he was anywhere but there. But then something magical happened. The moment the first beats of "Little Drummer Boy" filled the sanctuary, everything changed. His eyes locked onto the drummers, wide with wonder. His face transformed—pure joy spreading across it as he watched, mesmerized. Without thinking, his little hands began mimicking their movements, drumming all the air, as his head bobbed to the rhythm. Then he started singing along, completely immersed in the moment.

For those few minutes, my fidgety boy sat completely still, drinking in every beat, every rhythm, every note. He was lost in the music, transported. It was one of those tender moments that takes your breath away as a parent—watching your child fall in love with something right before your eyes. We captured it on video, and I'm so grateful we did—those movements, that pure joy on his face, the way he moved his head to the rhythm, the sound of his little voice singing. It's a memory I'll treasure forever.

The magic didn't end when we left the church. Ever since that night, "Little Drummer Boy" has been on repeat in our house. He grabs his sticks, positions himself in front of the couch—his makeshift drum set—and plays his heart out, singing at the top of his lungs. That song didn't just capture his attention for a moment; it captured his heart.

A Husband's Thoughtful Gesture

This year was also a little different physically for me. Exhaustion had taken its toll, and I wasn't sure how I'd manage cooking for everyone. But my dear husband stepped in with the sweetest gesture—he offered to cook. His plan? A fish fry! It was perfect. He even thought of the kids and bought them chicken wings. Knowing I dislike the smell of chicken (a quirk that began when I was pregnant with my second child and never went away), he fried everything outside so the house would stay fresh. That thoughtfulness meant the world to me.

Once the table was set, it was cute to see the kiddos trying to be well-mannered and remember their table manners. I appreciated their efforts. I know it wasn't formal dining, but still—manners matter.

Midnight Magic

The kids were thrilled, knowing that midnight meant gift-opening time. We had guests over, and the evening was filled with chatting, dancing, and laughter. We played board games that included the kids, and the house was alive with joy. My youngest, as always, the joker, was making everyone laugh with his antics and just being himself, which is precisely what you'd expect. He always wants to be part of the party with the adults, and that night was no exception.

Even though my parents were with us, there was a bittersweet moment in my heart. My mom wasn't feeling well, so she couldn't dance with us like I'd hoped. Watching Dad stay faithfully by her side, making sure she was comfortable and okay, touched me deeply. It reminded me of the kind of love that endures through everything—the kind that shows up not in the dancing, but in the quiet presence beside someone you love.

They enjoyed the delicious food, and though I wished they could have been sitting right there at the table with us, entirely in the midst of it all, I'm grateful they were there. They heard the laughter, felt the joy in the room, and shared in the celebration as best they could. Sometimes love means meeting people where they are, and I was just thankful to have them with us, even if it looked different from what I'd imagined.

When midnight struck, we shouted, "Merry Christmas, everybody!" The kids were buzzing with excitement, ready to tear into their gifts. And tear they did—wild, loud, and full of happiness.

Little did our guests know that they had gifts for them, too. Their surprise and gratitude added another layer of warmth to the night. After the kids opened their presents, they played with their new toys while we kept chatting. Eventually, it was just us, and the kids couldn't wait to show off their treasures—building LEGO sets, demonstrating how everything worked, and sharing what they loved most.

This year's celebration was the longest my kiddos have ever been up—well, all of us, really. The funny thing? We weren't even tired. We were so happy that we just kept chatting, eating, and enjoying the time together. The excitement lasted until we finally headed to bed at 5 a.m. But before we did, we gathered together for one more special moment. We put out a mini platter of cookies and sweet bread with a candle, sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, and blew out the candle—because it was officially Christmas Day. And the best part? Christmas Day is our rest day, so we could sleep in without a care in the world. It was the perfect way to end our celebration.

Why Christmas Eve Matters to Me

Christmas Eve isn't just a cultural tradition for me—it's a family tradition I choose to continue because it's what my heart desires. Christmas is a holiday I want to cherish just for them. Parties and guests are wonderful, but for me, intimacy is golden. Being present for my family—opening gifts together, playing games, watching movies, dancing in the living room—that's what I envision and treasure.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible for my kids to have a great Christmas, to my husband, who cared for and provided for his family, and to God, who gave us another year together. We are still alive, still breathing, and still striving to live for Him and do our best. All these moments are cherished beyond trifles, beyond the superficial. The heart of it all is God—the One we believe in and follow. Because of Him, we are here.