Well, it’s not exactly morning, but I am wrapping up our Christmas nonetheless. I have literally done nothing all day today (except feed the family) and it’s been glorious. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration. Ours was full of laughter, tears, joy and togetherness. We ate more than we should have, indulged in gifts more than we should have and created a ridiculous mess in the process. But what we will remember is just being together. We have a lot going on in our family right now so being in the moment is key. So here is our Monday Morning Wrap-Up.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve. Every year, before we head off to church, we snap a family photo. I have learned a great trick over the years. First of all, I set up the tripod earlier in the day and have the camera already set so there is not fooling around with it. I also make sure everyone is ready five minutes early so we can snap and head off for the night. The best laid plains! This year’s was an epic fall and fail. Hence the somewhat odd expression on everyone’s faces. Except for my son who can always keep it together. I literally tripped over a large gift, my heel got stuck in the hem of my skirt and I went flying. It was bad. Hilarious, too. So we took one and called it done. Hey, at least we have a photo of the four of us. I was very in the moment this year and this was the only picture taken of the four of us over the last few days. Thankful to have it and my pride somewhat still in tact!

CHRISTMAS TABLE

I was really pleased with how the table turned out. I shared a bit about it here. Of course I forgot to take any pictures once the candles were lit and everyone was gathered around it.

FESTIVE COCKTAILS

necklace | booties ( on sale) | jeans | similar top

We decided to make a festive sangria to offer guests as they came in the door. It was a yummy recipe and I think everyone enjoyed it. You can find it here. 

We placed drinks out so all could help themselves. You can also see a peek of how we hung our Christmas cards this year. I used 3M hooks on either side of the wall to hang the string. Worked out very well. We like to keep these up long after Christmas has passed. I do need to add another string, though.

PRETTY PACKAGES

Huge props to my sister and her wrapping. She always makes the most beautiful packages. My parents, too. I think we all like the wrapping just as much as the gifts.

MEANINGFUL GIFTS

One of my very favorite parts of yesterday was when we all gathered to exchange gifts. My sweet and thoughtful dad attached one of my bother’s ornaments to each of the grandchildren’s gifts. It brought us all to tears and I love knowing that some of my brother’s treasured ornaments are now on our tree. Family and connections. That’s what Christmas is all about.

Do any of you shop the day after Christmas? We really don’t. I think we are always too tired. But the half yearly sale kicked off today so if Santa gifted you shopping money you may want to check it out. The pajamas that match my comfy robe are on sale and so cute.

I am keenly aware of how difficult the holidays can be and I just want you all to know that no matter how you celebrated the birth of our Savior, that a measure of peace found its way to each of you. Thank you for letting me share a bit of our holiday with you.