For the church Christmas party, Cole was a shepherd and although Sage wasn't in primary yet, they let her be an angel. The angels were the choir singing all the songs. She later told me (in a very enthusiastic voice) that "next year, I will even know the songs!" I will give her credit though, she was trying as hard as she could to sing the right words.
Cole was having a wardrobe malfunction while getting ready and I told him to hold his elbows tight against his sides to hold his costume to his body. Then, I found the ponytail holders I had brought and fixed his costume so that it would stay up. I told him he could relax now and just enjoy the play. He forgot and the whole time he had his elbows bent in close to his sides. Will told me that he was so nervous, he could tell be looking at him. I told him it was because of the earlier talk. Will then spent the next 5 minutes trying to get Cole's attention to tell him to relax his arms. He never did so a few minutes after that, he just went up and put his arms down. It was kind of funny.
Christmas Eve, we played the paper bag game, musical pillows, had snatch grabs, watched the King is Born, and read the Nigh Before Christmas. My kids were having a blast but as soon as we were done, Cole was all about getting into bed and going to sleep so that Santa could come. They all wanted to sleep together in their sleeping bags. I got them all ready and told them to go to sleep so Santa could come. About 15 minutes later, I hear Sage crying uncontrollably (not worried because she loves to cry uncontrollably). I go in there and as soon as I walk in, Cole looks at me and bursts into such frustrated tears. I ask what is going on and Cole says, "Sage is acting crazy just like McKelle so I hit her because I really want Santa to come and he won't come unless we are asleep!" (insert sobs between every word). I get him calmed down and he asks to sleep in his own bed.
The next morning, McKelle wakes up at 5 because she is coughing so hard. She decided to get up. I tell her Santa came and she says, "good". Then I ask her if we should wake everyone up and look to see what he brought. She says, "um, I just want to watch Strawberry." So we let the other kids sleep for another hour while McKelle watched Strawberry shortcake. She didn't even notice her stocking. When we woke up the rest, she looks over and was then thrilled at the treasures left in the night. The rest of Christmas was just wonderful spending time with family and enjoying everyone's company. Also, I really loved having Christmas on Sunday, I wish it were that way every year.