My entire family, minus Chris, Tessa and Kaitlin, made the trek down to the South for Christmas. Their flight was cancelled due to the massive snow storm that struck in the Midwest. It was a complete bummer because we were all looking forward to seeing them and spending time with them. Later in the day, we were able to Skype with them and do a present exchange :)
Christmas morning at my parent's house started with our traditional Christmas breakfast: homemade bear claws, Danish puff, eggs, sausage and hash browns. After we stuffed our bellies with bear claws, we headed into the living room to open presents.
One of the reasons why my parent's decided to not get a Christmas tree was because all of their ornaments and lights were still packed away in boxes up in Ohio. Since we successfully got them a live tree, with a stand (!) my sister, Jen, had the sweet idea of each kid buying an ornament or ornaments for my parents that made us think about them. We all bought an ornament, or two, and attached a love note or love explanation as to why we thought that ornament was special. We went around the room taking turns, giving out the ornaments.
The tradition in my family for opening presents is passing out one gift at a time, watching that person open their gift, and then oohhh and ahhhh over it. Although it takes a very.long.time for all the gifts to be unwrapped, I love doing it this way. I like seeing what everyone gets and the joy on their faces as they open their gifts.
The next part of the day was spent relaxing, playing with sweet little Emma bean, preparing Christmas dinner and Skyping with Chris and Tessa and Kaitlin.
We had our traditional Christmas dinner of Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, Twice baked potatoes, and peas. Delicious! I think I need to start taking notes as to how to make all these yummy, traditional foods so that I can do it one day :)
After dinner, a group of us loaded up into two cars and drove to the Biltmore to see the house lit up at night. It was such a fun day celebrating with my family and I am so thankful that Justin and I were able to make it work to be at both of our families celebrations this year. I am also so very thankful that all of my brothers and sisters made it work last minute to spend Christmas with my parents. My parents are two of the most loving, hard-working and sacrificing people I have ever met and I am glad that we were able to bless them this year on Christmas. I am also thankful to the Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful, loving and godly family.
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