Christmas 2016--Christmas Eve

One of the things I love most about Christmas is keeping all of the old traditions alive.  This year was no different!

We started off Christmas Eve heading down to the Market.  First stop, to a local brewery to pick up a last minute gift.

Then we hooked up with Lala, Papa and Uncle, who were also down there!

We can't go down and not get a treat...

...even if it is bigger than someone's head!  Ha!

So many yummy, interesting and even strange foods to see.  Need some pigs feet?  Check.  What about a Hungarian torte?  Yup.  Perhaps some Polish sausage, Irish soda bread, hummus, imported French cheese or sheep's stomach?  They have it all!

After we got back, we spent some time chillin' and then it was time to get ready for Christmas Eve service.  This year we went to Papa's church.

This picture basically sums up their two personalities!  I die...so fitting

Afterwards it was back to our house for our English tea.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!

December happenings

****Considering I started this post in early December, it is time to get caught up and post this bad boy!

The calendar flipped and now it is December!  My most favorite time of the year!

Right after Thanksgiving we decked our halls and brought out allll the decorations.

I love how festive everything looks.  What better way to kick off the Christmas season than with a little bubbly?!  #popclinkfizz

We also had our neighbors over for what is turning out to be an annual event--making goodies to share with our other neighbors as a way to show them honor and celebrate the season.

Another tradition that we love is having hot pot with our good friends, right before Christmas.  It is a wonderful way to slow down, catch up and enjoy the season.

There is always sooo much food, but we manage to put a pretty good dent in it!  

This year, we combined it with white elephant gifts.  

#nowords!

 Someone wanted this lovely shirt and so took it...!

 As J always says, "You can never have too many buckets..."

 Mei Mei sums up how our family feels about hot pot!

There was cookie baking, decorating, and of course, LOTS of eating ;)

 She definitely went with the "more icing is better" concept this year, but boy, were they tasty!

Someone also went and turned 10, but I'm going to save that for another post, because this one has gotten ridiculously long!

Christmas Recap Take 3--Down South Style

The last of our Christmas festivities culminate when we drive a few hours away to visit my extended family.  Our little family of 4 always makes a pit stop at IKEA and it never disappoints.

First stop, lunch after the long drive.  J was in his glory.  Can you see the Noodle's approval? She gives it a thumbs up.

Then, on to my Uncle's house.  He just celebrated his 50th birthday and for the bash, they built a bar and a raised stage for the 3-piece jazz band and singer.  I mean, um, hello?!  Crazy creative!!  Christmas at their house never disappoints (see here, here, or here)!

 Here's the bar--Club Claus.

 The raised bar with the grand piano.  Oh yes, they also love nutcrackers!

 Enjoying hors d'oeuvres.

 Love this little family of mine!

 A few weeks ago we were here celebrating my Nana's 90th birthday.  They love to throw a party!  Here was the table for the girls.

 Dessert table

The table for the adults

I spy J behind the bar!  See that huge martini glass?  It rotated.  For reals.

 Taking in the gorgeous view of the river...even if it was gray, foggy and rainy.  Still breathtaking.

 Generations.

 The table for the girls.

 Cheers!

 Time for presents.

 A trip here is never complete without a ride on the Polar Bear Express!

 The next day we went to my Aunt's house for brunch and more chatting.

Finally, we ended up down at one of our family's favorite restaurant for coneys.  Even though everyone was so stuffed, we still managed to enjoy!

It is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone, but it was another wonderful holiday!  Merry Merry!!