Christmas Eve

Once we make it to Christmas Eve, a peace settles on the family. The schedule eases and we embrace the ritual we've curated over the years. It seems there's less fighting- perhaps because everyone knows what to expect and there's the quiet anticipation of what Christmas will bring. 

First stop is the MOSI and lately Blue Paradox is our favorite exhibit. Fair warning: photo dump!

We often stay more than once to just take it all in. The message of pollution is poignant and the images of healthy oceans are just stunning! The fact the screens surround you makes it so immersive and impressive!

These videos are taken from another part of the same exhibit. Fair warning: photo dump!

Something about this space makes us all want to dance and jump and turn cartwheels! It's so beautiful!

Eventually we all met up outside the exhibit and I'm guessing a Santa Claus sat here for much of the holiday season. In his absence, we took advantage of the scene and asked a kind stranger to snap a shot of the family.

We meandered among the various Christmas trees. Ireland insisted she had to have one by HER tree!

A stranger saw me taking this photo of her:

And offered to get one of the both of us!

Next it was on to Rockefeller Chapel for the Christmas Eve service. It was here that I really and for true felt the spirit of the season. When you are surrounded by gothic architecture, stained glass and real, solid, heavy wood doors it's hard not to! 

Back when we started doing this, Sydney was terrified of the candles- she didn't want to get burned! Now she's a pro. Love the Silent Night tradition of starting with all lights out but a solitary candle and then sharing that flame until the whole chapel is awash in the warm glow of candlelight. It's so beautiful!

Finally it was time to head home for a grilled cheese bar and the laying of the presents under the tree. Brent and I watched Better Off Dead as we stuffed stockings and snuggled. 

After all the hustle and bustle, it was Christmas at last!