My one hope is that my kids always remember that Christmas is about Family.

It’s always been a huge deal in my family.  No matter what you were doing, you were always together the night of Christmas.  Always.  No excuses.  As a teen, I hated it.  But now, I really miss those days.

I’m so happy to have had the whole week off to just hang out with family.  The big event, my sister and her new husband from Chicago drove down with their GIANT DOG and spent the whole week.  Not only did I enjoy it, but the kids loved it and were sad to see them go.

We started off the week BIG, the entire family – 20 people – got a jump start on Christmas celebrations German-style at Sanford’s Hollerbach’s Willow Tree.

We did this about two years ago – we decided, this will now be a yearly tradition.  It starts off with a giant 3-liters of beer being passed around the table.

The 3-liter boot from Hollerbach’s Willow Tree in Sanford.

Then, there’s dancing….My sister, Katie, made my father polka:

And it typically ends when my mother-in-law starts ordering Jagermeister shots.

Evil shot girl!

Katie & Jimmy disapprove of the Jager shots – but did them anyway!

So much great food, music, family and dancing! Plus, great for the three brother-in-laws to hang out…which so rarely happens, just because of distance.

The three Bresnahan boys.

I think we were all hurting a bit the next day.  But we all managed to make it to Christmas Eve church on time!

Christmas Eve church.

And then…presents.  This was the first year in the history of my children that they woke US up!  Each year, they say they are going to wake up early, and never do.  This year we told them they couldn’t wake up up fore 6am – and they came in our room at 6:02am ready to rock!!!

Ready to open presents at 6am on Christmas morning!

The boys, of course, were spoiled and got the big items they asked for.  They were honestly so excited and still believe in Santa, which makes me so happy.  They just go with it and embrace it, and were very sad to say goodbye to Nick, our Elf on the Shelf.  I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of my children.

After presents, more presents with the family, along with some fun games, more food and lots of time hanging out with the giant dog, who we only get to see because they live in Chicago.

The next day, grandma ordered family photos.  Here’s on of my favorites:

Grandparents and grandchildren, including Penny.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if you got what you wanted for Christmas or not.  It’s about spending time with those you love.  I’m so lucky to have been surrounded by all my family this holiday and I can’t wait for Christmas again next year!