That family time of year...

It's the holidays. Big surprise to everyone, I know. I was just thinking about my childhood, and thought I would share what Christmas was like, then, and also what it is like now.
When I was a kid, the money was tight, but my parents really tried to make it special for us. We had some great traditions. We would always get a fresh Christmas tree, and decorate it together very close to Christmas. We each had a box of our own ornaments, and it was our responsibility to put them on the tree. I loved my Grover ornament (we each had one storeboght Sesame Street ornament) and I couldn't wait to hang it on the tree every year. I am smiling as I look at that ornament now, hanging on the tree in my house.
Christmas Eve was the main event in our house. We went to church, ate oyster stew together as a family, and opened presents together in front of the fire in our little parsonage living room. We took turns, and everyone watched each present as they were opened. It was quite an exciting event.
Afterwards, when everyone was getting ready for bed, I would sit in the living room and stare lovingly at the presents I received. It was usually one or two presents, and one of those life saver christmas books full of rolls of life savers. (Remember those?) I still remember running my hads over my barbies, so excited that they were actually mine.
Christmas Day was always travel to the Cities to see all of our cousins. That was nice too, but the magic happened on Christmas eve.
Now, we go to Wausau aevery year to spend time with my DH's family, and we go to church in the same church all of my childhood memories are in. I always feel so close to my dad when I am there. I have to work hard to keep it together singing the carols, and seeing all the same people I have seen every year as long as I can remember. Afterwards, we go to the house of of my childhood friend who dies to spend time with his family, and then we go back to my in laws house to get ready for Christmas and the presents the next day. For me, the magic is still on Christmas Eve. By the 25th, we're all getting together and opening presents, but the 24th is the real celebration for me.
I can't wait for Henry to go to church with me in less than a week, and hear the singing, see the candles lit, and be a part of who I am.
Merry Christmas everyone. :)
What are your traditions that make it Christmas for you?
M.