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 LeeAnna asks

How was Christmas done in your childhood home/family?

example, if you woke earlier than the parents did you have to wait? Did the gifts go under the tree after you went to bed? did your family all exchange gifts? Did you dig in and all open your gifts at the same time or have to go around a circle opening one at a time? just examples, you tell us how Christmas was done in your family

Gifts were under the tree before Christmas.  My oldest brother used to sneak peeks of his so he was never surprised on Christmas morning.  I didn't peek because I like surprises.  I remember seeing one of my presents, in a not very good hiding place.  I was so sad.  It was a good present and I was happy to get it.  I just didn't like knowing about it in advance.

My family all dove in and opened our presents at the same time.  My husband's family went around the circle opening the gifts and that is the custom that we adopted with our children.  And now we do that with our grandchildren as well.  

When we got older we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve.  Christmas morning felt like a big letdown then.  I gave my kids and now grandkids PJs to open on Christmas Eve.  I considered stopping that tradition this year as pyjamas have gotten expensive.  But my oldest granddaughter is very excited for PJs this year.  She has a new baby sister and she is hoping to have matching PJs with her.  Adorable!  Of course, I had to fulfil that wish!

Christmas is such a tricky time of year.  It is filled with so much excitement and disappointment.  It has been years since I was excited for Christmas but I enjoy seeing my grandchildren excited.  That is fun.