Well hey there! Long time no chat, right!?
I happily took a few days away from the computer to somewhat unplug and just “be” with family, soaking up all of the holiday as I could. I swear, every year it comes and goes quicker and quicker, but thankfully, we have a lot of great, wonderful memories to cherish.
Growing up, my family always had three days of Christmas (Christmas Eve – the day after Christmas), and I was so excited to be able to do the same this year as well. While I’m sure this isn’t the way it will always happen from year to year, things still worked out pretty well.
On Christmas Eve, Jay and I hosted our parents and my brother for a little appetizers and desserts evening.
My four favorite boys in the whole entire world <3<3
I put together an assortment of apps that we could all snack on throughout the evening, including mini pigs in a blanket, shrimp cocktail, veggies, crackers w/ pepperoni and cheese, and more.
Actually, a majority of them came courtesy of BJ’s, who generously gifted me a gift card to purchase some items for my get-together. Did you guys know that they have an amazing assortment of foods for entertaining, and you can seriously feed a party of 10 for less than $100?
Everything in the photo above, minus the pigs in a blanket and the shrimp, came from BJ’s, and these pinwheels have been a favorite of ours for a long time. All you do is take them out of the freezer to thaw and, voila! Snacks, baby.
I also picked up some bacon wrapped scallops and beef tenderloin, both of which were surprisingly REALLY good.
From BJ’s, I also picked up a tray of their assorted pastries and a cheesecake sampler (not pictured), and my total came to less than $70. If you’re still looking for some ideas maybe for New Years Eve, I would absolutely recommend checking out their selection.
Thanks again, BJ’s!
Along with the rest of our snacks, I also made a cranberry orange sparkling punch and, of course, put out the remainder of my Christmas baked goods.
It was a pretty low-key evening, with the exception of a certain someone running around like the crazy guy that he is! We let him open his Christmas Eve present, which I’m planning on making a tradition, of Christmas PJ’s and some new books.
I got his PJ’s from target, and I couldn’t find the same pattern online anymore, but these are the same and they are so. stinkin. comfy!
It was our little Christmas miracle – Lucas shared his teddy with Cody.
Once Lucas went to bed and the family all left, Jay and I got to work on setting up Lucas’s toys for the next morning.
And Christmas morning was wonderful! The three of us had a great time, and I think Lucas had an absolute blast with some of his new toys.
Fisher Price Little People City Skyway – he’s OBSESSED and it’s $10 off at Target right now!
Mini Dyson Vacuum – also a hit!
A couple of hours later, we packed up our stuff and headed over to my parents’ house for the rest of Christmas day.
We timed it so Lucas would (hopefully) nap shortly after we arrived, and it worked out in our favor. So while the little man slept for a bit, we enjoyed our traditional Christmas breakfast and then the adult children got to open up some presents.
One gift I received, which I’m suuuuuper excited for, is an online photography course from I Take Great Pics. I know I mentioned it to you guys before but never wound up purchasing (guess that was a good move!). Once I get started, I’ll be sure to let you know how it’s going.
So the rest of Christmas day was spent playing with new toys, hanging out, eating good food, and just being with family.
Lucas always has fun with his Papa!
Dinner, as per tradition, included mom’s homemade lasagna which was delicious as always.
And she also went out and got all fancy making these yummy jello desserts with vanilla vodka in them.
How adorable are they, right?!
We actually had some extra loved ones drop in later in the evening, which was a nice surprise since we’re a small bunch, including our friends Scott and Justin (and my brother’s adorable new girlfriend, Carissa).
And we decided to end the evening with a nice, cheesy, prom-style family photo.
Not sure how that happened, but hey, Merry Christmas!
On Saturday, we made our way over to my in-laws house to celebrate our third and final day of Christmas.
Once again, Lucas was spoiled by his grandparents (only grandchild on both sides, he’s a lucky guy!) and made out with lots of new stuff.
My parents also came over a little later in the afternoon, and we all hung out, snacked again, and were basically just entertained by the little one of the group.
Funny how such a tiny person can keep an entire group entertained, isn’t it?
For dinner, we had some of my father in-law’s delicious chili with cornbread (thankfully I was able to eat it, since it was the meal I got sick on with my stomach bug…) and brownies with ice cream for dessert.
I’ll tell ya…we are just so blessed to be surrounded by such loving, wonderful family.
So there’s a (lengthy) round up of our three days of Christmas! Even though we still have New Years Eve coming up which I’m looking forward to, I’m also going to be ready to get back into a routine again, eating more regularly (oh, the snacks and sugar!), and just slowing things down a bit. The holidays are great, but man, are they busy.
I hope you’ve all been enjoying the holiday season as well, and have been able to take some time to unplug a bit! I’ll catch you guys a little later!
Brynn says
Photography classes sound awesome! I’d love to so something similar. Looks like you had a wonderful holiday celebration!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
Looks like a fabulous three day celebration :)
Christina says
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! :)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Super awesome Christmas! Why do those days ever have to end!?
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
We also celebrate three days! It can be a lot, though, and I’m always exhausted after! Lucas looks like he really enjoyed it all and he got so many fun presents! I am ready for a routine, too. My stomach finally revolted last night about all the extra snacks and sugar that I’ve been consuming!
Marielle says
Aww Cody is such a good big brother sitting next to Lucas so nice :) and I hear what you mean, love the holidays but man I’m ready to get back on a healthier/regular eating schedule :)
Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire says
Lucas’ Christmas PJs are the cutest!! Looks like you guys had a wonderful holiday! :)
Beks says
That sounds like a nice, low-key couple of days. I love the quiet of Christmas, and it was especially more so this year, because we just stayed home. My parents, sister, and I, like old times. So relaxing! :)
tiff says
Looks like a great Christmas! E has that wheelies garage too, but I’m currently in the market for a toddler chair for him… as if he’ll ever sit still long enough to use it. ;)
Christen says
Wow, looks like a busy couple of days!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
It really is all about spending time with family and friends…so good with kids at Christmas! We had my nephew, brother and his girlfriend along with my grandparents for dinner this year, such fun! My first turkey in 10 years went down a treat! :) Love that you guys do lasagna!
Bethany says
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful time with your family :)
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Mandee says
Please post the recipe for those adorable and yummy looking jello desserts made by your mom! I have some whipped cream vodka that needs using!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
OMG to the food and the mini dyson! So cute! Looks like you guys had quite a festive Christmas!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Unplugging at Christmas time is the best. I absolutely loved not being around my computer 24/7! Glad you had such a great time, look like lots of special, special memories were made!
Heather @ Housewife Glamour says
Aw, it looks like you guys had a great Christmas! Those jello shots are too cute! Love all the family photos. <3
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
Looks like you had a wonderful holiday! My mom and I drink out of Spode Christmas wine glasses too :) It seems that my mom has everything Spode Christmas – wouldn’t feel like the holidays without it.
My brother has a 3.5 year old and last year we started the tradition of me going over there after Christmas Eve dinner to help put together his toys – they can be tough. We have a system down now where I set out the parts and make sure my brother keeps on track with the directions :)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Court! Three days of Christmas is awesome. So nice you have all of your family close by and could enjoy the holidays together. I was in Florida for a week over Christmas spending time with my family and friends and am now back in California. Happy Monday to you! :)
Monica says
I’m glad Jay was feeling better for Christmas!
Lucas and my Harlow got a lot of the same gifts!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
My dad always makes his lasagna for Christmas Eve dinner. I look forward to it every year.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I love the idea of extending Christmas to three days! It’s too fun for it to all be over in one day. Glad you guys had such a wonderful time with family! And yes, seriously…it’s funny how just a little guy can provide so much entertainment. We say the same thing too! xo
Erin M. says
Looks like a great time! Fun fact: my nephew is on the box for that little people skyway toy :) Happy New Year!
Courtney says
No way?! Really?? How awesome is that!!
Erin M. says
I know…my mom bought 4 of them… haha!!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
They do three days of Christmas celebrations in Switzerland/a lot of Europe too. So growing up, we had that too! I love having several days of celebration.
Lucas made out with some awesome stuff–Wahoo!
Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says
I think Lucas grew into a toddler overnight! I love that mini Dyson – start him early ;)
april @ Simply Sweet Living says
Your Christmas looked awesome! Me and my hubby were able to get away for a good 9 days to see family. We love taking time off and just relaxing. :)
Courtney says
That sounds great, April! Glad you guys had a good time :)
Heather Mello says
Maggie got the little people car thing too! She loves it! What is the smaller part? A garage?? She just got the tall part…
Courtney says
Yep! It’s like a carwash/garage thing. We’ve had it for a while now and he lives it, which is what prompted us to get the city skyway ;)