Today I told the kids to turn off the computers, and to read and play. This was a challenge, definitely, and took awhile to gain compliance. But look what happened instead, once I got them on board with my evil plan…

The boys got creative and decided to draw a city together on BIG paper.

They each read their books and Juliana worked on her humanities homework.

Jeff and I went for a run together and I wrapped presents.

The boys went outside for a nature walk and collected red, green, yellow and brown things. And after they dropped off their loot, they went back outside with a soccer ball and brought home a neighbor friend to play (video games!!). But hey, they were screen free all day until dinner time!!

We baked sugar cookies together and all had fun rolling out the dough and nibbling on the cookie dough. And Juliana spent more time decorating the cookies with her artistic touch.

Life is good…and Christmas is almost here. This is the most relaxing Christmas I’ve ever had… No stress, no shopping frenzy, no rushing, no pressure. I like this European way… Happy Christmas Eve, Eve. xo