Magical December


December is always magical to me.  The time leading up to Christmas…decorating, slowing down a bit, baking, wrapping, giving, celebrating with family and friends.  And then when the big day is finally here…reflecting on the amazing gift of light and love given to us in Bethlehem so many years ago on Christmas Day.   I love it all.  

A few of my favorite moments from this season…  

Doug and I started a new tradition last year…date night at Mancy’s steak house on Christmas Eve Eve.  It’s our favorite spot in town…I always get the same thing.  A berries and bubbles martini to start, shrimp cocktail appetizer, salad, petite filet and potato.  And my favorite is our splurge on a fun bottle of wine.  This year was an amazing 2014 Cab from Cliffe Lede.


Grammy and Uncle Bob came to visit Christmas Eve. Getting a family picture with this crew is tricky as you can see below!  We always love our time with them!  Christmas Eve service and then Doug made an amazing tenderloin, shrimp cocktail and baby potatoes roasted with olive oil and rosemary in the air fryer.  I made a Californian blend casserole that I accidentally cooked too long in the crock pot and turned into Christmas mush.  Can’t win them all and was the source of lots of laughs during dinner!  Uncle Bobby’s dog Steve wouldn’t even eat it LOL!







Christmas morning looked a little different this year!  We will always believe in Santa but…Olivia was in on the secret.  So we started a new tradition.  Each girl drew a name, we gave them a budget and they got to buy each other gifts.  They had an absolute blast shopping and wrapping (and it saved me some work…outsourcing at its finest 😊).  My favorite thing besides them sleeping in until 8…they opened gifts one at a time.  I think they were so excited to watch each other’s reactions…the joy of giving!

Christmas night we hopped over to Grandma and Grandpa’s for another great meal.  I always love this tradition on Christmas Day!  I love my mom’s cooking (she made twice baked mashed potatoes that were to die for), her tree and the warmth of their cozy house.  Love spending time with Mom and Dad!






Lots of activity, but all with our loves.  Thankful for the warmth, joy and love of the Christmas season.  And our prayer for friends and family this year and always…

May the God of Hope fill you with joy and peace.  Romans 15:13



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