“Ohhhh yeah!”: Christmas/New Year’s Wrap Up

Since I have yet to fill everyone in on our Christmas and New Year’s I thought I would give you a little glimpse. While Christmas and New Year’s themselves were wonderful, most of the Winter Break, we spent nursing colds, sore throats, and stomach flu. Don’t worry I will spare you those pictures.

Christmas Eve we went to Mass and then stopped home to do some last minute prep before heading to my Mom’s for a dinner of beef tenderloin, potatoes, and veggies. My Mom has hosted Christmas Eve dinner for as long as I can remember. I love that we are all together, and the kids love playing with their cousins.

Christmas Day is typically an early wake up call here. The kids could hardly wait to see what Santa had brought. The kids get to ask Santa for: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. We have been doing this tradition since Russell was born, and it seem to work for us and also helps to cut down on spending while also teaching our kids the importance of needs over wants as well as putting a focus on reading.

Here are the kids racing down the stairs!

George asked for a horse (this kid loves anything equestrian). While I’m not sure if he wanted a real horse or not, he was happy to have a new buddy. I have caught him holding this horse while riding his rocking horse near his small stable of horses. Also, he has been sleeping with it every night, so I think it was a win (did I mention this kid loves horses?).

This pretty much sums up Coco’s Christmas morning. She spent the morning with her mouth dropped open in total disbelief. She loved her eco dollhouse complete with solar panels, wind generator, recycle bins, and vegetable garden.

Russell hopped right on his bike. He explained that his bicycle was a “need” as he is too big for his tricycle. We agreed. He looked like Will Ferrell trying to ride a tricycle. Needless to say he is counting the days til Spring.

After a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, we all crashed and took naps. Then we hosted Brian’s family for a dinner of ham, champange risotto with peas and parmesan, and spinach salad with oranges and pomegranates (don’t worry I will share these recipes soon). We also had all the traditional favorites. Then we finished with a dessert of home made chocolate chip cheesecake (I can share that too).

New Year’s Eve is hosted by my sister and everyone brings a few favorite finger foods and we have a little bubbly. The kids spent most of the night playing Wii with their cousins, but they were insistent on wearing some of their new clothes.

I must admit, even though the kids are happy at school and Brian is glad to be back into a work routine again. I am missing all the downtime we had as a family. Hopefully, we can plan on a family movie night soon.