Christmas 2015

It seems like my Grinch-like mood last night allowed me to completely gloss over what an amazing Christmas I had this year.

And for that, I feel ashamed.

Because it was such an incredible few days.

On December 23—Christmas Eve Eve—Adam and I continued our tradition of having our own little Christmas celebration.

Since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are packed with family events and activities, we like to set aside time to exchange our gifts to each other, cook a cozy supper, concoct festive drinks, and watch our favorite holiday movies.

While I loved all of the special items Adam chose for me, the gift that made cry was a framed print of my favorite Norman Rockwell painting.

We enjoyed duck, potatoes au gratin, and broccoli for dinner and drank Peppermint White Russians (I pretty quickly switched to wine!) while watching Home Alone 2 and holiday episodes of our favorite shows.

I didn't ever want the night to end.

On Christmas Eve, we ran a bunch of last-minute errands before going to evening mass with my family followed by our "Feast," which is a smorgasbord of appetizers and desserts.

We played LCR, opened presents, watched Elf, and ate entirely too much. My parents had their driveway all lined with luminaries and with their life-size nativity out front...well, it was just magical.

My older brother even bought me CHAMPAGNE GUMMY BEARS!

I mean, crazy awesome, right?

I also received a really special gift from my parents—a handmade nativity. The details are just extraordinary. I wanted to sit there looking at it all evening long! I only wish I didn't have to wait an entire year to display it.

Christmas morning was spent with Adam's family. His mom always makes the most wonderful quiche! We sipped on coffee and opened presents in the den, laughing and joking all the while. It was so cozy.

Around 3:30, I jetted off to my grandparents' house (which is a whole hour's drive!) and enjoyed Christmas dinner with my dad's side of the family.

We then all retreated to the basement, where my grandma lays out a whole spread of cookies she's prepared as well as piping hot wassail. My grandma always spoils me with the most perfect presents. This year, she bought me a gorgeous coat from Modcloth. It just needs to stop raining so I can actually wear it!

The only bummer about this Christmas was that I felt quite crummy.

I had a terrible cold and by Christmas night, my throat was throbbing and I had a small fever.

But even terrible colds can't hurt the mood on Christmas!

Because it really is the happiest time of the year.

Sigh.