Christmas 2016 – Recap

I must admit I’m still in a bit of a daze from yesterday, it was amazing!  These recent years have shaken up the norm a bit, but after six Christmas’ – B and I finally got to spend it together at my parents!  It’s quite different then what B is used to, so I was a little nervous that he would be bored out of his mind.

Christmas Eve was full of baking and frosting cookies, Christmas music, family, laughs, and lots of food and drinks!  The family went to the early mass, came back and took photos in front of the tree, as always. We watched Home Alone, Arthur’s Perfect Christmas, and the end of It’s A Wonderful Life (we turn it on at the same time almost every year!) We then had to head to bed so Santa could come – yes the presents aren’t put out until everyone is asleep.

My brother is ALWAYS the first to wake up on Christmas morning, even as we have gotten older and his normal wake up time wasn’t until noon. This year was no exception, we had group texts going off just before 7am with a handful of Christmas emoji’s from him. We dragged ourselves out of bed and grabbed some fresh coffee and a cutout cookie. From then on the rest of the day was a blur of goodies, waffles, more Christmas tunes, laughs, facetime, games and a HUGE Cavs win!!

It was so awesome finally having B home with me for Christmas that I so dearly love! I think B had a pretty good time. *winks*

Merry Christmas!

Traditions.

Soo… I just can’t help myself, but I am just in the Christmas mood! This year especially with the house, moving, and work… oh and the lack of snow, it’s been hard to get into the Christmas spirit.  We are almost half way through December and I have no Christmas decorations up, half of our apartment is packed up and the other half of our things are making their way to the house.

But, this past weekend, was another holiday tradition that I wouldn’t pass up this year.  Since I’ve moved to CLE, I’ve always made it a point to go home the first weekend in December to help my parents get their Christmas tree… and since I’ve been with B, the last four years we’ve kept that up.

It’s as simple as this:

When? First Weekend in December.
Where? Baughman’s Christmas Tree Farm. Every. Year.
What? Brave the Elements in Search for the Perfect Christmas Tree.
Who?  My Mom Always has the Final Say.

2011 – B’s First Tree

2011 – The Family

2013 – Mom & Dad

2012 – Success!

Then… we take pictures in front of the tree… and then we cut the tree down.  In 2011, it was actually B’s first time harvesting a real Christmas tree!  This year we had a little more fun with our pictures (well, except my parents, they sort of just stood there.)

2014 – Mom + Dad

2014 – Me + B

2014 – Nate + Kiera

Once we’ve found the tree, we grab some hot chocolate, (with a mini candy cane thrown in) and then get home to decorate the tree! It’s always a fun weekend with the family, and having those traditions that build up the anticipation for the upcoming Christmas Holiday.

Do you go to the same place every year to get your Christmas tree?

Happy Holidays!