Merry Christmas!
As I have mentioned several times, the holidays - specifically Christmas, is my absolute favorite! My family takes this season very seriously! We enjoy spending time with one another. Our family loves decorating, unwrapping presents, and doing our usual Christmas activities with everyone. Also, my husband and I now have our own traditions that we love! Below are some of our favorite things we do during this special time.
- The stockings were hung with care. When G and I got married, we immediately went to Bed Bath & Beyond, and purchased a pair of stockings to hang over the fireplace. We love stuffing them with cute items for each other. For example, we'll get gift cards to the person's favorite place, and a bunch of other neat goodies.
- Oh Christmas tree. We typically put up our decorations the week of Thanksgiving. G and I are a big fan of the artificial tree. My family stopped getting live trees years ago. Although, a live tree is fantastic, and that fresh balsam fills the house - it's just a lot of work. We bought our tree from Home Depot. They have an amazing selection! Also, if you store an artificial tree properly, they will last for several years.
- Ornament hunting. My grandmother, mama, and I go ornament hunting every year. Anytime I go to a special place, if they have a gorgeous ornament in their gift shop - I'm buying it! Also, once department stores have their sales on ornaments we stock up for the next year! The ladies and I have a ball going out picking up new pieces for our tree.
- Holiday lights. When G and I bought our home in 2015, it was a few weeks before Christmas. During that special time we were focused on getting settled in. The last two Christmas holidays, G has taken decorating our home seriously. We use ribbon, lights, and wreaths, to make the house sparkle. Also, our family loves hopping into my Dad's SUV, and go to nearby neighborhoods to look at holiday lights. It is so much fun, and we even get new ideas for decorating our home!
- 'Twas the night before Christmas. On Christmas Eve we all go to my parent's home for a seafood dinner! Crab cakes, shrimp pasta, scallops, fried oysters ... and so many other goodies! We all catch up, play UNO, while enjoying each other's company. Then, we open our gifts together, and enjoy a few glasses of wine. This year, I'll be bringing my Lemon Pepper Wings to the gathering, along with my famous cookies!
- Christmas Day. On Christmas morning, G and I open the gifts we bought for one another. We spend time reflecting on the year, and spend quality time together.
What are some holiday traditions that you have with your loved ones?
Merry Christmas!
XO, Analise
Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography