christmas traditions

i am really trying to set our family traditions... it's tough because we don't have a a large family, or traditions that have been handed down to us.

i don't have any siblings to share the holiday with, and even though my sister in-law lives in the next town, they are spending christmas eve and day with her husband's family. i really wanted to celebrate x-mas eve with them, i thought it would be great with the kids, but they are just going to stop over after nap time to do presents. my inlaws are jewish, and we really have no desire to spend any extra time with them.

so we really have no plans on christmas eve... i am trying to figure out a meal that my family will eat without fights, then christmas morning. my parents will come over for lunch/dinner and we will have a spiral ham, salad, roasted potatoes, and some veggies.

growing up i have so many fond memories of getting together with cousins, and neighbors. my grandparents always came over with a huge bag of toys, and it was so much fun. i want for my kids to have memories that they will cherish, and one day (far far away) when they get married and have kids, we can continue with some traditions.

craig and i both really wanted a large family, and i want to start traditions with them now. so if anyone has the perfect meal idea, or special tradition, please pass it along. so far the only thing we have been consistent with is christmas pj's for the kids on x-mas eve.

also, do all your gifts come from santa, or do you make sure some are from you too? i grew up with only santa gifts on x-mas, but now i am hearing all about parents taking some credit. last year we gave the boys the wii from us, but i'm not sure what to do this year.

thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.... merry christmas!!!

p.s. i always buy a new personalized ornament for the tree to represent our family. and craig loves to read twas the night before christmas, and we make treats for santa.

after i wrote this post earlier i was talking with the boys about ideas to help make this year special. i think we are going to make rice krispie treats (since carter doesn't like cookies), and pick up some bagels from panera for christmas morning. for christmas eve we are just going to have pasta - i know it's boring, but at least everyone will eat it. (and i make my own sauce) i struggle because i want the kids to be happy, and all they want is mac and cheese or pb&j. i really don't want to fight over food.

a couple years ago we decided to just stay put on chrsitmas day and let my parents come to us... best decision ever! the kids stay in their pajamas all day and just play.

i also think i am putting a lot of stress on making this year special since last year just sucked! on the 23rd we learned about my miscarriage, and then i had a d&c on christmas eve. i felt so guilty last year, and i just want this year to be perfect!