Boy6 was the first one up, saw all the presents under the tree, came into our bedroom and turned on the lights!  Needless to say, he didn't receive a "Merry Christmas" greeting from his parents.  Once we pulled ourselves together, we went out to the living room. 

A tradition carried over from my childhood is that the Baby Jesus is not put in the manger until Christmas morning.  Before any presents are opened, Baby Jesus must be searched for and placed in the manger.  This year, he was on top of our stack of Bibles (seminary Dad's idea - He is the Word after all!).  Then the stockings were opened.  Highlights - Boy6 got spaghetti - his favorite dinner - and Boy2 got some Cuties(see below). 

I really tried to maintain some order during the present opening so that I could see what everyone got (and who they were from) and watch the expressions on their faces but it got hard towards the end.  Boy2 wanted to immediately play with whatever he opened, making him behind in the present opening rotation and with a stack of presents to open long after everyone else was done. 

Then Daddy made our traditional breakfast of pancakes and waffles with bacon.  Girl8 was the only one who wanted chocolate chips on her pancake.  After that, everyone picked out a new outfit (well, except BW because I've given up trying to buy clothes for him - he really needs to try things on first) and we took off for Grandma & Papa's.

There was a whole other group of presents to open, a delicious dinner and yummy desserts.  It was great to have all of my siblings together (though I blanked on getting a picture-grrr!) and visit with everyone. 

Overall, it was a very Merry Christmas.