Ho, Ho, Ho!

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend, eating delicious food, and spending time with loved ones. My family certainly is in the holiday spirit!

After watching the Ravens win yet another game, we attended an early Christmas Eve mass. The service was absolutely beautiful, from the candlelit room to the phenomenal violinist. Our neighbors were hosting a holiday party to celebrate the Italian tradition of the feast of the seven fish of Christmas, so we went to their house directly after church. We usually have a small dinner at our house on Christmas Eve, but it was nice to do something different this year.

Black Sweater: Anthropologie

White Ruffled Blouse: Polka Dot from LuLu*s

Red Wool Skirt: J.Crew

Pavé Crystal Hoop Earrings: Nadri from Nordstrom

Silver Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Chain Link Bracelet: Nordstrom

Gray Suede Pumps: Christian Louboutin

Since we arrived an hour after the party officially started, we stayed a little longer than the other families. Natalie, Alison, and I have all been babysitting Maria for years—she’s like a younger sister to us! Our families had a good time enjoying each other’s company and catching up.

Once we came back home, my mom, Jen, Ali, and I prepared for Christmas morning while everyone else went to bed. We wrapped some last-minute gifts and set them out—organizing the presents under the tree is my favorite! I finally got in bed a little after midnight and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

We planned a time to begin Christmas festivities, so by 8am, everyone was grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and opening stockings. Because we had more family members than usual this year, we decided to open gifts in our sun room, rather than our living room, which we usually do.

We took turns opening gifts for an hour, but had to stop when our stomachs started grumbling. Jen and I took charge in the kitchen and whipped up Belgian waffles, chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon French toast, and kielbasa.

Breakfast was delicious and filling.

We cleaned up the kitchen, then resumed our opening of gifts. We had a few laughs over practical jokes, like tricking my brother into thinking that an infant-sized outfit was a new Capitals jersey.

Though I am extremely grateful to receive presents, I love the joy that giving brings. It’s hard not to get excited on Christmas!

We didn’t finish our gift-opening extravaganza until 1pm and we had quite the mess to clean up! With everyone’s help, the room was neat and tidy in no time.

Now it’s time to get ready for dinner!

Tell me about your Christmas! If you don’t celebrate the holiday, tell me about your weekend!

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?