And the Christmas Celebration is finally over.

Our last guests left the house this afternoon.  After more than a week of merry revelry I am finally ready for a breather.  Pinterest and I are taking a break from each other.  Having a nice large house with giant table, I got to shoulder the responsibility of hosting multiple gatherings.  Pinterest was my saving grace when it came to creating menus.

The festivities began with the requisite Christmas pageant followed by the kindergarten nativity play and gingerbread house making before everyone left for winter break.  The next day I hosted my mother's side of the family for the annual Hurley Christmas get together.  Over the years it has been pared down to a game of white elephant versus actual gift exchange.  Not wanting to plan two Christmas dinners, I hosted a brunch.  I'm very proud of how my food turned out--gingerbread pancakes with lemon syrup and paleo muffins, mulled wine, greek yogurt and berries, mini quiches.  It was yummy.  The gingerbread pancakes are definitely going to become a Christmas tradition.

We started the week on Monday with a trip to the Urgent Care with Linus for an ear infection and a visit for Robin at Children's.  Tuesday was another trip to Children's and then a holiday party at a friend's house.  Christmas Eve was very chill--board games, movies, and cooking.  After spending the day in the kitchen and lots of time over the course of the holidays in the kitchen, I was done cooking.  So began another tradition--Thai food for Christmas Eve dinner.  After dinner, we were off to mass with my parents. 

Christmas Day brought a merry morning of present opening, egg nog scones, and hot cocoa followed by naps, playing with new toys, and then more Christmas with the Larson side of the family.  For this, I made (lots of bragging) the most amazing cranberry glazed pork tenderloin,  baked macaroni and cheese, ceasar salad, and roasted balsamic carrots.  I still can't stop thinking about that pork.  There was more mulled wine with egg nog custard and Speculous cookie butter cheesecake for dessert in addition to lots of cookies and candy.

After presents and quality family time, my parents left so we put all the kids to bed to the grownups could play Cards Against Humanity.  Dave dominated.  Linus stayed up until midnight.  The Rousseaus spent the rest of the week with us.  The kids played, the grown ups hung out in pajamas a lot.  One night Beth and I went over to a friend's house to drink wine and have tarot readings.  It was awesome.  Finally, there was Christmas with the Dimocks where Dave got all the credit for the  absolute joy my nephew experienced upon opening his gift.

Dancing with Robin.  He loves to rock back and forth to Stop the Calvary.

Unimpressed by stockings.

He liked his presents, especially his castle and baby, Charley.

Linus loved his magic set and magician's hat that he can pull a rabbit out of.  Our day was filled with him practicing his act.

Wowing Eileen with his skills.

Photo taken by my new camera, complete with bed head and jammies.

hiding under the table with a Minecraft torch

Robin wanted in on the action and crawled over to join in the fun.

Unimpressed cousins.

It was a good Christmas, full of thoughtful gifts, the majority free or homemade.  Dave surprised me with a new point and shoot camera.  The kids loved making presents for one another and showed so much genuine appreciation  for the gifts received.  That said,  I'm glad it's all done.  I'm ready to take down the decorations, take a few deep breaths, and start a new year.