Merry Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve! It started off with lots of relaxing and even taking a nap! Then we got up and started baking for the Norwegian Christmas party on the Jenson side. "God Jul" is how it's said Norway. Mike's aunt and uncle have had a exchange student live with them so we made some dishes in her honor. We were in charge of making Horns. It is basically a ham and cheese crescent roll up. They were super easy and very delicious! (recipe below)

We were SUPER sad because we forgot our camera! So here are some pictures from Mike's cousin Amy's blog of the fun family traditions. (Thanks Amy!) After stuffing ourselves over-full we have a talent show where most of the kids and a few adults participate in. Elaine's family did a few Christmas carols with their kazoos, we had a ton of beautiful piano pieces, and Amy even played her accordian! Last year Carter walked (with the help of Mike), and this year he played the snare drum for everyone. It was priceless so hopefully we can track down some videos.
Anyway, after the talent show the kids get ready to reenact the Nativity scene. This year Carter was asked to be baby Jesus and Mike got pulled into being Joseph. Carter actually let Mike hold him like a babe in swaddling clothes. Then the baby Jesus decided to start walking around, but he settled down when the Wise Men brought him gifts. He liked playing with those. :-)
After the Nativity scene and lots of Christmas carols, Santa Claus pays us a visit and everyone, young or old, get to sit on Santa's lap. They have to say if they're a good boy or girl and then tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Carter didn't like sitting on Santa's lap, but he liked his gift. It was such a beautiful Christmas Eve, and it was wonderful to spend time with family. Thanks to Lori and Richard for opening their house to everyone, and we better get to sleep so Santa to can come to our house! :-)
Here is the recipe for the "Horns" or cheese spiral hams (makes 9-10 horns).
Use bread dough our pillsbury crescent rolls

9 thin ham slices
1 c. grated Jarlsberg cheese (any will do)
1/2 c. finely chopped chives
beaten egg
grated Jarlsberg cheese

Preheat the over to 425. Lay out dough into triangle shapes. Top with ham and sprinkle with cheese and chives. Roll up from the long side. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise until doubled (not if using Pillsbury). Brush with egg and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for around 12 minutes, and let cool on a rack.