Because both my and Devin's families all live really close, holidays are usually a bit chaotic for us when we try to do everything with everyone. We love it, but it's exhausting, and we both know it won't last once we've got kids to tow around.
This year, a few plans got moved around and it made for a much more relaxing holiday. We had such a good time with our families, we did everything we wanted to do, and we didn't feel rushed or stressed at all. It was a dream!
On Sunday, we did a progressive dinner with my mom's side of the family. Devin had to work, so I went by myself. We had a different coarse of the meal at each person's house, and got to see everyone's Christmas decorations, and also my aunt's new house. It was short and sweet and so much fun. Even though that party was to celebrate December birthdays, I will still count it as a Christmas party.
On Christmas Eve, we spent the whole night with Ashby's. We ate and shared stories and laughed and then watched the tornado that is my nieces and nephews opening Christmas presents. We spoil them so much! It's so fun to watch little kids on Christmas. We kept checking Santa's status on noradsanta.org and eventually sent them home to bed before it got too late.
Christmas morning, Devin and I slept in a little bit before opening gifts from each other. Our Christmas was small this year, but it was probably one of the most memorable. My favorite part of the whole holiday is spending that time with my own little family Christmas morning. Cooper must have known exactly what was going on, because once I got up, he went straight over to where the stockings were hanging, and sat patiently. We are the kind of dog owners that include our pets in things like this (I know). Coop had his own stocking filled with bones, balls and treats and he loved it. We let him open his first and he was distracted with new toys the rest of the morning.
Devin and I spoiled each other pretty good this year, but I think the highlight for both of us was one of the gifts he got me: a painting he had his grandfather do of Calf Creek Falls. If you remember, we went to southern utah for our anniversary this year, and hiked to calf creek. On each trip we go on, we try to collect a print or photo, but we could never find one of Calf Creek. When I opened the envelope with the painting, I immediately started to cry. It's a gift I will treasure forever and was so thoughtful of Devin, and Grandpa Verel. I love it and can't wait to get it framed.
After we finished and got ready, we headed down to my Grandparent's house for our Christmas morning breakfast tradition. We've done this every year for my whole life, and I hope it never ends. I love Christmas traditions! After breakfast, we opened more gifts from my grandparents and extended family with everyone together. My extended family is hilarious.
One thing: every christmas eve, we have a party with this same side of the family. devin and i didn't go this year, because we were with his family, but the party was still the same: a small program with talents and stories centered around christmas, treats and food, and white elephant gift exchange. every year for as long as i can remember, there's been this ridiculous, awful shirt in circulation with the white elephant. it's just hideous, and the rule has always been that whoever ended up with the shirt at white elephant had to wear it to christmas breakfast the next day. apparently, on christmas eve, my cousin jake got the shirt, because when he walked in grandma's front door on christmas morning…
funniest. thing. ever. he was the shirt! jake is the class clown of the family. can you tell?
after grandma's we went to my parents house for the rest of the day. i love spending time with my family so much and we had such a great time exchanging gifts and hanging out. devin and i stayed until after dinner before we finally went home. it was such a great holiday!
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