Christmas 2010

Once again, Christmas has come and gone. But I must say, it was most definitely one of (if not thee) best Christmases ever. And quite honestly, I miss it now that it is over! With my brother and sister-in-law (and my precious nephew, Evan) up from New York - and Strom and I up from Virginia - it was a family holiday at its fullest! 

My favorite thing about the way we do Christmas in my family is that the big celebration goes down on Christmas Eve. So instead of early mornings of running down staircases, all of my childhood memories and present traditions hold scenes of candlelight, crackling fires (though my parents' house now has a gas fireplace), glowing lights, and Bing Crosby crooning in the background. It's much cozier late in the night to say the least. And in case you're wondering how tiring it is staying up late, let me just say there are endless piles of fudge, cookies, and brownies. Not to mention coffee, hot chocolate, and mulled cider. The sugar highs are inevitable. Don't forget: presents. The excitement of presents keeps the energy flowing!

This year was no exception: Christmas Eve service led to our friends' Christmas party, which traditionally led to our own little birthday celebration for Jesus (and Mom's insanely delectable cheesecake) and Scripture readings back at the house. This then led to our tradition of us "kids" running to change out of our church clothes and into our pj's and heading to the basement as my parents set out all our gifts in perfect piles by the tree.  We realize that three out of four of us are in our 20's, and two of us are married, but we insist on playing the "kid card" every year. This part of course, had us anxiously awaiting the "Alright, come on up!" call, as it always does, as well as a viewing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," with some last minute wrapping. Once the call came, we grabbed our own gifts and came bouncing up the stairs (playing that kid card ever so realistically! *wink*) and into the magical Christmas land - AKA our family room. The night began at 2330 and didn't end until 0300 and even then, we were still having fun! 

Here's a little peak into our Christmas with my family! 

And the moment came where the energy went missing...Sweet husband of mine!

At some point we all woke up on Christmas morning - each one of us with a sugar hangover of course! Most of the day was spent in our pajamas, looking like this:

My stocking was filled with cooking spices, which in my opinion was brilliant on my mom's behalf! I hate having to buy spices! I feel like I can cook a dozen new meals thanks to my mom's creativity! 
(Take note of the lovable Ralphie partaking in our Christmas fun! Can't have Christmas without a 24-hour "A Christmas Story" marathon!)

 A Christmas breakfast consisting of pancakes, bacon, cinnamon bread, and fresh Florida oranges...

And nonstop games of Rummikub and Bananagrams...

And an absolutely delicious Christmas dinner...and more dessert. I'm still full after Sunday! I admit, I went on a cleanse after Christmas, but I don't regret eating all that delicious goodness! 

What a wonderful time with family! I wish we could do it all over again. My brother and his family are sadly gone, but the husband and I are happily enjoying the remainder of our Maine visit! And of course, the blizzard that blew through today! 

I hope your Christmases were as wonderful as ours!