I feel like I've been in a whirlwind since winter break. I've baked, I've cooked, I've hosted. And then I've baked, and cooked, and hosted some more. Along the way there have been many joyful moments, coffee, and wine.
This year I managed to pare down some of my hosting responsibilities, but there was still a lot. I plan Christmas for my immediate family and Christmas with my siblings and parents. I also host my sister and her family for several days, along with lots of visitors. It's all very wonderful and I wouldn't have it any other way. But whew it's required a lot of energy.
Christmas Eve was spent prepping food and doing schoolwork. We enjoyed our traditional Thai food takeout for dinner and went to mass. Linus was in an extra good mood and felt compelled to dress extra nice. Instead of his nice Christmas sweater, he opted for a dress shirt, tie, suspenders, and fedora. I didn't even have to ask him to wear his dress shoes! This is a far cry from last Christmas eve where we could barely get him to put on pants.
So much excitement waiting for Santa!
Contraptions for Linus.
I got Dave a flux capacitor car charger and a book. Dave got me a book and a cast iron skillet. Once all of Santa's presents were open, the kids opened a final present from Dave and me. Dave and I decided to do our main family vacation to Disneyland! The kids opened a box with 3 Disney lego minifigures, telling the kids they couldn't wait to meet them. Eileen leapt for joy and hugged me. Robin didn't know what was going on. Linus basically responded with, "Meh." Well alright then.
We spent the entire day in our jammies and ingested sugar. No one changed until after dinner when we showered and put on fresh jammies. It was such a relaxing day. The kids played. We all napped. Dinner was nothing fancy--kraft mac n cheese. It was my concession to the kids for making them eat Thai food and knowing the next day they wouldn't like either.
The next morning we went to the movies as a family and saw, "Sing." I wanted to make sure the kids got out of the house before all the guests arrived. When we got home I got to work. This year's Christmas menu needed to be gluten free, dairy free, and egg free. Instead of mulled wine, this year I made red wine hot chocolate. I made a vegan non-alcoholic version as well that was equally delicious. We still had the roasted cranberry pork tenderloin along with balsamic brussel sprouts, a paleo "cheese sauce" (using butternut squash and coconut milk, nom nom nom" poured over roasted cauliflower, and gluten free shell pasta. I have a favorite everything free baguette and served that with bruschetta and an apple cider pepper spread. The adults enjoyed it the food. The kids did not.
Dave was a super husband and cleaned the garage (even mopping the floor) before Christmas. The kids played all afternoon in the garage.
Grandpa Claus came to visit and pass out gifts. This year we changed it up a little and the adults drew names and only gave to one person (we all gave to the kids). Only buying for one adult really made Christmas shopping so much easier.
I spent the next day in recovery. Copious amounts of thick, delicious, red wine hot cocoa and cookies will do that to a person. We also began the arduous task of putting the house back together. The cousins have been playing hard and having a blast.
Today my aunts Molly and Eileen visited along with my cousin Emily. Robin snapped a pic of Molly. He loves to take pictures of everyone in a room.
There was more coffee and more goodies. My brother and his boyfriend stopped by later and the good times just kept going!
At the moment, my sister, Beth and her husband, Chris, are out on a date for her birthday. The kids crashed. You know they are tired when the big kids are fine with watching "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood." I'm not sure what tomorrow brings, hopefully a nap and the possibility of a date.
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