How was your Christmas? What traditions did you continue, which ones did you "start or change" this year?
This year was a little different for us, and we really liked it. For the 3 days before Christmas, we opened a present or two each night - with the intention of opening all under the tree presents by the end of Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve brought my parents. We had appetizers and enjoyed each other.
Christmas Day the kids opened their socks full of stuff - and then along came my parents again with presents for everyone and, along came my sister and her family, also with presents for everyone. We had Christmas brunch at 11 - that was perfect, I think we'll do that again instead of a Christmas dinner.
The hit at brunch? Sausage gravy - it was SO YUM (if I do say so myself).
New Years Eve is coming at us quickly and we are hosting a party - AKKK!
My favorite day - New Years Day - I get to pack up the decorations and get the house back in order. I love Christmas decorations, but I also love the feeling of getting it all put away and the house all cleaned and in order.
Christina--Sounds like your holiday was lovely! Ours was wonderful...Christmas eve just the four of us then a quick trip to my parents on Christmas day for lunch. Lots of phone calls to other relatives out of state. Getting things back into order the Sunday after New Year's Day is our plan. Here's to a great 2009!
I'm with you Christina, I love Christmas and everything about it. But by New Years I am eager to get life back in order and focusing on making the New Year the best yet!
Teri - yes - cheers to 2009!!
Janna - we need to connect "in person".
What a wonderful holiday you had, Christina! I think that this was probably the last year that we are doing over-the-top with the decorating, entertaining, gift giving and cooking. Love the idea of brunch instead of a huge afternoon meal - I might have to borrow that :)
Lisa - it actually happened by default, my brother-in-law's family always does stuff in the afternoon, so I made ours late morning, early afternoon - it was perfect! We have all decided that was ideal and are going to continue that "tradition".
Christina, I was actually eyeballing a few decorations today, wondering if they'd be missed if I got them back in their boxes a little early...I totally get the relief on New Years Day! Best to you in 2009.
Laurie - Me too! Then I realized we have our New Years Eve party and the decorations really add to the festivities so I opted to leave them all out.