12 Days of Christmas: Peep Night

Many families have some tradition similar to Peep Night.  Our version goes something like this:

Christmas Eve is Mama's birthday.  So until we leave for Mass that evening, we focus on her and not on Christmas.  But once we get back home, the Christmas traditions begin...starting with Peep Night.

If we're at Nana's house, Peep Night involves short poems, called "Go Get 'Ems" which diret each person to go on a scavenger hunt to locate their gift.  A Peep Night gift is typically something small and fun, like a stocking stuffer that just wouldn't fit.  I remember small toys as a little girl, a teaser of what was to come in the morning.  Peep Night gifts might also (and often did) involve a new pair of pajamas to wear Christmas Eve, so that the pictures in the morning would be coordinated and holiday themed.

As the years went by, Peep Night gave way to special gifts.

This year, my mom mailed us special gifts, but Peep Night is being placed on hold for a few years, until Bunkey is a bit older and more able to understand.  For now, there's just a ton going on and it's too easy for any of us to get overwhelmed...