This Christmas, as do all christmas seasons came and went so quickly. I was very thankful for almost 2 weeks vacation from work and lots of time with friends and family. We did a lot of traveling but it is always nice to see everyone. We didn't have to travel for thanksgiving so it balanced out having to travel so much at christmas.
Friday night we spent with Kyle's family eating oysters. We had a great time with his parents, sister, bro-in law and their kids. Kyle ate so many oysters I was disgusted but nonetheless, we had fun. I sadly didn't get any pics from the night but Kyle's sister did manage to get one of Kyle destroying a bushel of oysters.
Saturday we got up and hit the road to Charlotte to spend Christmas eve with my mom and her side of the family. Kyle's description was "the gang does christmas eve" and if you watch it's always sunny you will get that reference. Not that I support the show, i'm just saying. We had a blast cutting up with my bros but of course missed my pawpaw and all of his random comments during presents. My mom got me a beautiful monogram necklace that I absolutely love and have not stopped wearing. I also got a few things from crate and barrel including some more of our dishes, which is always nice. Mom cooked a wonderful meal and enough food to feed a family of 25 as always. We always end the night lounging on the couch watching A christmas story and then it was off to bed to get ready for Christmas Day.
Sunday morning we woke up and had breakfast with mom and opened stockings. Mom always has a fire going while we eat breakfast which I love. We always eat some sort of breakfast casserole and hang out before getting ready to head to my dad's. I didn't get any pictures from mom's house because I completely forgot to get my camera.
Sunday afternoon we headed to my dad and step mom's house. They just moved to a new house so I was excited to see it and of course it was decorated to a T. We do a big meal around 4 with my dad's side of the family at my aunt and uncle's house so we quickly headed there after the house tour. I love that we do "white elephant" with all of my family there. We used to draw names and do stockings but then we decided it would be fun and give us something to "do" if we did the white elephant. One of my most favorite memories of Christmas growing up was my papa handing out all of our stockings one by one that were hung from a double mantle at my nana and papas. Once he handed out the last one he would give us the go ahead and white tissue paper would fly! It was such a fun tradition but I guess new ones are always fun to start as well.
One of my cousins couldn't be there because he was working in NY so we skyped with him during the white elephant and it was hilarious to see him participate from the computer. My poor papa just couldn't wrap his brain around the fact that my cousin was "live" and participating! Here are some pics from the day.
Ellie May hamming it up near the christmas decorations at dads.
My dad, step mom, bros and I opening presents Christmas night.
My older brother never shys from away from a picture.
My dad opening his beer mugs from pottery barn that we got him. I think he loved them!Overall, Christmas was wonderful and it was so great to see everyone and get a break from work. I also managed to squeeze in a surprise 30th bday party for kyle and a new years eve celebration with great friends, which I will post about soon!
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