Christmas Day with Family ~A Day to Remember ~The Most Precious Gifts of All

This was Baby’s first Christmas.

He must have felt like there was something special about the day,

as he was wide awake an hour before his usual wake up time.

He enjoyed an early breakfast while his

Mama and Gigi enjoyed their morning coffee,

before anyone else was up.

His big brother came downstairs an hour later with a

bounce in his step to see what was in his stocking.

He also found much delight in helping the rest of us

see what Santa put in our stockings, too.

While it was Henry’s first Christmas,

this was the first year that Jack was really into the idea

of selecting gifts for others, wrapping them,

and putting them under the tree.

This Christmas was extra special,

as we weren’t able to celebrate together last year.

Travel was discouraged due to the Pandemic,

so most of us stayed in touch, virtually.

There’s nothing like wrapping your arms around

those grandchildren and giving them a hug…

Or hearing the squeals and laughter of grandchildren

playing with their family.

Mama’s Egg Bake was so tasty,

along with Cinnamon Rolls and Fresh Fruit.

This brunch will keep us satisfied until

our Afternoon Charcuterie.

It’s tough to to get excited about opening a gift

and finding clothing inside…

Perhaps you’ve heard the Rules for Gift Giving…

*Something they Want

*Something they Need

*Something to Wear

*Something to Read

*Something to Do

*Something for Family

We all enjoyed an afternoon of relaxing and

playing with our new toys…even the grown ups!

We sipped some Christmas Bubbly and noshed on Charcuterie 

while we all helped prepare our Christmas Dinner.

Ham and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Green Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Dried Cranberries,

Walnuts, and Shaved Parmesan.

After Dinner Jack watched another Christmas Movie,

Home Alone.

We could hear him giggling in the living room

as we cleaned up the kitchen.

Before bed snack = Christmas Cookies

It’s hard to pick just one!

During the Christmas Season we celebrate the

Birth of the Christ Child and the most precious gifts of all,

Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love.

Take care,

~Natalie

Celebrating the Holiday with Family ~Christmas Eve ~Here’s my Report

 

You’ve probably heard me say that my favorite thing to do

is visit our adult children in their homes.

Our Daughter and her Hubby planned Christmas Eve Dinner…

Mussels and Frites.

One cannot visit New England

without enjoying some fresh seafood.

Papa and Gigi were banished from the kitchen.

We watched a Christmas movie with Jack and Henry.

Can you guess what movie it was?

That’s right, The Polar Express. Jack and his mama

had riden on the Polar Express Train a couple of weeks ago…

complete with Hot Cocoa, Santa Claus, and a gift box with the Bell.

Out meal started with a Charcuterie Board.

The Goat Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries was fabulous.

The olives and salami were pretty tasty, too.

We were each served a huge bowl of

Steamed Mussels and Toasted Garlic Bread.

After a quick kitchen cleanup,

we moved into the Living Room

to see what was under the tree.

It was difficult to contain our excitement.

It was also difficult to take turns opening gifts.

However, everyone was patient and waited their turn.

Jack provided assistance for his little Brother, Parents,

and Grandparents when they opened their gifts, too.

The highlight of our evening was Jack’s new rocket ship.

He was bursting with excitement…

so much that I thought he might launch into space by himself!

The Rocket is pretty sweet. There’s a kitchenette,

and a sleeping/shower area for the little astronauts.

When it was bedtime, we all listened to Mama read The Polar Express.

The illustrations in this book are just beautiful.

It comes with a Special Ornament inside the back cover.

It was time to set out Cookies for Santa

and a carrot for Rudolph.

‘Twas the Night before Christmas and all through the House, 

Not a Creature was stirring, not even a Mouse.

I hope the Holiday was Magical for you.

Take care,

~Natalie

Christmas with Family ~The Stockings were hung by the Chimney with Care ~Dreaming of a White Christmas

Santa’s Helpers have certainly been busy preparing for Christmas.

Shopping, Decorating, Baking, Wrapping…

Every day, a couple of newly wrapped gifts appear under the tree.

On Christmas Eve Morning we awoke to a

blanket of fresh white snow. So right after breakfast,

it was necessary to get outside and play.

Henry’s parents bundled him up

in snow pants and boots.

However, he’s not so fond of wearing a hat.

Papa and Gigi appreciated the beautiful New England scene

from inside the house. It looked like a Christmas Card.

This was Henry’s first snow experience.

I

Playing in fresh snow is fun for everyone of all ages.

The snowflakes kept gently falling,

creating a Winter Wonderland right here in the yard.

Being together with family is

what makes the holidays feel so special.

I hope you are spending time with your

favorite people this weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

Christmas with Family ~Final Preparations ~Baking Cookies ~Decorating a Special Tree

We were all up early today…It is Christmas Eve.

I had mixed up cookie dough two days ago.

It was chilling in the refrigerator,

waiting for some enthusiastic cookie bakers.

We rolled the balls of dough, and popped them in the oven.

While they were baking, Jack and his mama peeled the foil

from the kisses. Jack loves chocolate kisses!

We patiently waited the five minutes before

pressing the kisses in place.

The second batch of sugar cookie dough included cocoa.

Mama made the dough balls and Jack rolled them in powdered sugar,

which makes them look snow covered.

Some Candy Cane kisses and some chocolate,

for those that fancy a Double Chocolate delicacy.

These will be a nice addition to our tray

of Decorated Sugar Cookies.

Jack was in charge of the Sprinkles.

We all took this pretty seriously.

It was fun to create our designs

with all the pretty colors of icing.

More sprinkles the better, right?

I think Jack was taste testing, the evidence is on his lips!

This is a special little tree that Amy purchased while

visiting a Christmas Market in Germany.

She and Jack decorated it together.

It takes good hand coordination to

attach those tiny ornaments.

Preparing for Christmas Holiday is serious work,

however it is a whole lot of fun.

I hope you are surrounded by family,

the sounds of delighted children,

and the aroma of Christmas Goodies in the oven,

Merry Christmas

Take care,

~Natalie