A Very Merry (but Chilly) Christmas

Christmas morning and we awaken to chilly temperatures in the house.

We are presently without our furnace and heating has been a challenge.

But our spirits are high and we will rejoice and celebrate on this Christmas morn!

 The buffet/grazing station is set up.

The menu is jotted down on this cute little blackboard.

(It is barely legible now after all the cooking as it is just above the stove).

It announces that the offerings are pumpkin bread, coffee cake, little sausages (aka cocktail sausages), charcuterie, OJ, chocolate milk and hot chocolate.

It also included chips and salsa remaining from our Christmas Eve festivities, sweet dips with fruit and crackers and cookies remaining from the open house.

 It was a feast!!!

 The stockings were opened,

 including one for the cat and dog.  I wish I had better pictures but there was a bit of frenzy when the treats were smelled by the four-legged family members.

 Then packages were opened.

 And everything was a hit ... especially the kitty treats for Othello.

The moment when he realizes that the single malt that he knew he was getting was actually the single malt he didn't know he was getting as he didn't expect me to buy the best 16 year single malt available.  (Just between you and I, I didn't know that it was the best I only knew that it was supposed to be very good and was discounted by forty dollars.  Sold!)

 After presents and major munching we all parted ways for a moment.  The boys went off to enjoy their gifts and I went to the kitchen to prepare yet another feast.

Here is the dinner menu.

(Note:  I didn't get the cobbler made... maybe for the new year festivities!)

The feast and...

 ...the obligatory pre-feasting family around the table photo.

I hope you and yours had a very merry (and not-at-all chilly) Christmas!!!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder.  And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

A Christmas Eve and Its Traditions

Christmas Eve and, although we got off to a late start on our traditional festivities, we are enjoying our family and this season.
For the first time, but likely not the last, we made cups of hot chocolate and went to a nearby park that had a "Festival of Lights" display.

It was a frigid evening so it was a very nippy walk.  We were warmed slightly by the hot chocolate in hand but we were definitely ready for the hot pot of posole awaiting us upon our return.

Our traditional Christmas Eve meal is posole, tortilla, chips and salsa.  Delish!

Then we sat by the fire, made s'mores (another tradition - Santa doesn't get cookies here, he gets s'mores!), and the boys opened two packages each.  Those two packages contain the traditional pajamas and books.

We lingered and enjoyed each others company...

...then the boys grabbed more munchies and went to play games while "Santa" got to work.

Now the stockings and gifts are awaiting the morning and the tree is glowing beautifully.
I love this moment.  I stand alone with the tree lights and candles illuminating the otherwise darkened room, breathing and thinking about my family, who they are and who we are, and my hopes and dreams for them and how all of that is reflected in these gifts that I offer up to them.
It's a beautiful, sweet moment for me.
It is Christmas!

The Makings of a Merry Christmas

Once the power was fixed the festivities could really kick into high gear.
The tree was put up and the family decorations were unpacked and placed on the tree while reminiscing.

The new ornaments were gifted and placed on the tree.

In honor of our new family tradition of watching the newly released Star Wars movie each year, I gifted the boys Star Wars ornaments.

Christian received R2-D2.

Bishop received Darth.

Maceo received Chewie.

I also gave them Star Wars socks the evening before we were to watch the movie so that they could be really decked out for the movie watching festivities.

To add to those festivities, we had a special Star Wars breakfast before heading to the theater.

Hoth Chocolate Bar.

Clone Scones (sort of).

Princess Leia's Cinna-Buns.

Afterwards, we went to Steak and Shake for some vigorous conversations regarding the movie.

After movie day, the Hoth Chocolate Bar was converted to the traditional hot chocolate bar. 

Many, many cookies and treats were baked.

And the house was festooned.

And now our house and our hearts are ready for all that Christmas will bring.