Man. I just logged in to my Bloglovin’ account for the first time in a week or so, and here’s everyone writing up their awesome 2017 recaps, and their 2018 goals…
And I’m over here still working on finding the time to write up my Christmas recap. Sheesh!
So while I could get into my thoughts on 2017 and my goals for 2018 (still working on figuring some of those out), I’ll save those for another post and share a little recap of our Christmas.
As you probably know by now, Christmas was a little up in the air for us up until about two days before. Alex was in the hospital for three days, and towards the beginning of that stay, they really weren’t sure how long we’d be there and couldn’t tell me with any certainty if we’d be home for Christmas.
I’m still going to share more details of that whole ongoing whirlwind (hopefully later this week), but suffice it to say, we were more than thrilled to wind up making it home on time to be able to celebrate Christmas as normal.
The night Alex and I made it back home – the first thing Lucas said as he heard us come in was “Alex! Are you feeling better now?!” <3
We spent the majority of the holiday at home, including Christmas Eve, where my mother-in-law came over and we all hung out and had a delicious dinner.
Just like last year, Jay prepped an incredible meal – this time, complete with an eye round roast, homemade mashed potatoes, and some of the most delicious, cheesy garlicky green beans I’ve ever had.
For those of you with little ones at home, maybe you can relate when I say that dinnertime is usually pure chaos (at least I hope some of you can relate and it’s not just us…?!). We usually have at least one not wanting to eat, or one running around who doesn’t want to stay sitting (or enter 1,492 reasons why), so when we have a rare occasion with everyone sitting quietly and actually EATING, it’s something to be celebrated on its own.
And our Christmas Eve dinner was just that. Everyone was sitting and eating, we were singing Christmas songs together…it really was just the perfect meal. And then, much to the boys’ surprise, there was the sound of jingle bells and a “ho ho ho!” coming from our back door…
Santa came to visit!!
Jay’s uncle Marty plays THE best Santa, and does so every year for the family Christmas party we attend. The day before Christmas Eve, Marty reached out to see what time the boys go to bed and planned to stop by for a little visit.
Most of you probably know by now that Lucas is very touch and go when it comes to Santa, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect of the visit. But you should have seen his eyes when he saw him at the door…talk about surprise!
You could tell he was nervous once Santa came inside, but the short little visit went really well, and Lucas even told Santa what he wanted and gave him a “cookie for the road.” He seemed pretty excited by the time that he left, and made sure to write out a message for him shortly before heading to bed.
While putting Lucas to bed, he asked a couple of times about Santa and if he’d be up in his room (which I said no) and I did my best to calm his fears to make sure he remembered that Santa wasn’t a “bad guy,” and he was very excited about Christmas morning coming so soon.
Once both boys were settled in bed, Jay and I worked on bringing all of the presents out of hiding (complete with a total wipe out on my end walking up the basement stairs and getting my knee all bruised up) and arranged everything in the living room, while also putting together the last remaining toy to assemble. Everything came together pretty quickly, and after relaxing quietly for a bit, we called it a night to get ready for a fun and busy morning.
For the first time in years, we actually woke up to a snowy, white Christmas, and it really was beautiful. Thankfully, my mother-in-law stayed the night, and both my parents and brother just live right around the corner, so everyone was able to be there with us on Christmas morning – and all arrived before either of the boys even woke up!
Christmas morning was a flurry of gift opening, jumping from one toy to the next, and sharing in some fun and laughs.
I realized after the fact that we really didn’t take too many pictures on Christmas day (not even the obligatory family photo in front of the tree…gasp!), but it’s fine because I know it’s because we were truly enjoying the day.
We had our usual Christmas breakfast, along with a tasty “linner” (lunch/dinner), all of which was prepared by my mom, who graciously told me to not worry about any of it while we were still in the hospital, unsure of how things would be going. Since I already felt like I was throwing so many things together last minute, I was incredibly grateful for her help on the food front!
The rest of Christmas day was spent at home, playing with all of the new toys that arrived, and I think everyone went to bed nice and early that night.
In case you’re wondering, this is Alex’s latest “cheese!” face : )
Please, take note of the framed pictures of Jay and my brother. These were random shots they did while goofing off during our family photos this past fall, so I decided to print a couple out and frame them for each of them to bring to work (since they work together in the same office!) ; -)
The day after Christmas, we headed over to my parents’ house to celebrate one last time.
And, once again, we were all spoiled with lots of goodies from Nan Nan and Papa <3
Alex’s cheese face strikes again…it kills me!!
We closed out the day with my mom’s special, homemade lasagna (it wouldn’t be Christmas without it!), and overall, it turned out to be a really wonderful Christmas.
I know we were all extra thankful for the fact that we were all home and together, so as long as we had that, nothing else really mattered <3
Melissa says
Happy New Year to you and your family! I’m so glad you were able to enjoy Christmas together at home, with your family. It looks like it was a wonderful holiday!
Danielle says
Yay!!! The pictures!! I forgot about those!
Shashaqueefa says
Glad to see you back girlfraaand! I hope Alex is feeling much good we by now. My Christmas was nice! I got a basket from my man with hair products from FRederique Fekkai but then noticed it was for dry damaged hair! It’s the thot the counts.
heather @Lunging Through Life says
What a fun fun Christmas! Your mom is so sweet to do all the food for both days so you didn’t have to worry. I’m glad Alex was able to be home for it!!
Jen says
I have to admit I did get a little teary-eyed reading your post. I am so happy that Alex is doing better and you all were able to spend Christmas together. Thank you for sharing. Love seeing everyone together.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Haha! Don’t feel too behind, mama!
What a great Christmas you guys had!! I love that Santa came…I NEED to do that next year, what precious memories!! And those green beans DO look pretty amazing! :)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I’m glad you were all able to be home for Christmas. My dad was in the hospital one Christmas and it was pretty miserable.
I love Alex’s cheese face! So adorable.
Courtney says
Awww Fiona, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he’s on the mend! <3
Brigid says
So sorry to hear that Alex was in the hospital and glad he made it home for Christmas! Happy New Year!
Donna says
I am so thrilled Alex is OK and you were able to be home with your loved ones for Christmas. I love your blog and have been a long time reader! Happy New Year you to Courtney! May it be filled with many blessings and happiness!
Melissa says
OMG I was squinting at the pics of your brother and Jay before I read your caption — LOLOL!!! So freaking funny.
Glad to hear you guys were able to have a nice day at home with everyone healthy!