yuletide cheer

Another Christmas season come and gone just like that. I usually feel mixed emotions when December 26th rolls around: sadness that the magical feeling of the season is over, but relief that we can get back to normal-ish living. We took down the tree as we had gotten it the day after Thanksgiving, and it was starting to look shabby. The living room always seems so much bigger to me after we take down the tree (Brett thinks a big tree is best :) Stella was confused why we were taking down the tree and a little disappointed, too. Until next year...

Last year I had a newborn and two painfully injured toes which pretty much prevented me from getting out and enjoying the Christmas season. This year I enjoyed going out and getting presents for family, although I felt a little frazzled and exhausted by the time it was all done. One piece of evidence of this frazzleness is this gift fail for Brett (which has since been exchanged and the recipient got a kick out of it). Considering our rivalry with Wisconsin = not cool.

But back to the advent part of the season. Every evening we read part of the Christmas story to Stella, which was spread across 24 ornaments that we hung on the little tree in the girls' play room. It will be fun to see Stella being able to comprehend more and more every year we do this tradition.

Brett and Stella enjoyed assembling and decorating a gingerbread house that we bought from World Market.

We celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family the Sunday before Christmas. My cousin Bethany, her husband Jon, and eight-month-old, Sybbie were in town from Boston. Grace and Sybil had fun together. :)

Cousin Hannah was so sweet to give Stella multiple piggyback rides

We helped Grandpa and Grandma Lorence decorate their tree:

My mom, Susie, the girls, and I met up at the Galleria on the 23rd. The beautiful mall was decorated so beautifully, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed taking in all the sights, having lunch, and sharing a "cowgirl" cookie from People's Organic. What a fun outing!

One of the best parts of the holiday season is being able to decorate. I like the natural look for Christmas decor, but I do like adding some shiny ornament glam here and there. 

We ate dinner and opened gifts from my parents and sister and brother-in-law on Christmas Eve.

Gracie enjoys a cracker and gouda cheese

Anticipation building!

Showing Stella her ballerina tights

FaceTime with Luke and Naomi who were spending Christmas with Lorence family in DC; we also FaceTimed with Jared and Corinne (and BabyLo) who were vacationing in Dubin.

Dad admires his fine South American rum gift from Mom

Over the moon for her new ballerina outfits

Setting up the princess tent from J and C, which has since taken up residence in Stella's room

FaceTime with Luke and Naomi

Getting sleepy

On Christmas morning, Brett made a breakfast of smoked salmon eggs benedict, and we enjoyed some two-bite cinnamon rolls from Whole Foods. Brett and I exchanged gifts, and the girls opened their presents from us, one of which included a brand new play kitchen. Brett assembled it almost all morning because it had so many parts!

Some of the many beautiful Christmas cards and pictures we received this year

While we had a green Christmas this year, a few inches of snow fell a day or so later, which greatly pleased Stella

Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now