Originally, we were going to spend a Christmas vacation someplace warm (Florida, for example), but in the last minute, we decided that staying at home would be much more relaxing. So the vacation became a staycation. So far, it's been wonderful.
Winter break started out perfectly on December 23 with a sled ride with Johanna and Klara.
As a special treat, Samu continued Marko's childhood tradition of watching the short movie The Snowman. Samu loved it. It was just the perfect movie for his age and life experience. He kept talking about it for a long time.
To bring even more Christmas atmosphere to our home, Marko decided that only Christmas albums would be played for the next days. Here is what we have achieved so far:
We admit that we opened one present early. It was so worth it! We played (our version of) Memory for a long time that night.
When the kids were in bed, Santa Marko started the culinary preparations for the celebration. Karjalan piirakka. Nummy!
Mama Ennser's new pasta machine came in handy. Thank you!
The next morning, Samu must have known that it was a special day because he was extra nice. For example, he read a story to Sofia.
Then he comforted the sad elephant.
And he even put on his snow pants himself!
It was freezing outside, so we bundled up really well.
Here are our kids (and their Finnish genes) in -23 degrees C.
According to Ennser tradition, a celebration needs a program. Here you go. We told the Christmas story, sang songs and unwrapped gifts. We had little pictures for Samu to follow along.
Thank you so much, families and friends, for all the wonderful, thoughtful Christmas presents! We will enjoy (or have already enjoyed) them a lot.
Sofia and Samu tried out Sofia's new musical snail, courtesy of Bene and Verena. Fun!
Thank you also for those lovely cards!
Christmas Eve, some might say the "main act", was spent with the perfect company and incredible food: at Ben, Ingrid, Klara and Johanna's place.
Look at all this happiness!
On Christmas Day, Samu unwrapped his last present: A set of balls an sticks to build forts with. Wow!
He was so excited!
Well, we all were. :-)
Christmas Day was beautiful. This was our drive to church.
The nativity set at St. Mary's Basilica.
Back at home one of our favorite TV programs was on. ;-)
On December 26, we played in the snow a lot.
In the evening, we packed up the kids ...
... to visit the light show at Lake Phalen. Quite a spectacle!
All in all, a very, very merry Christmas.
