Merry Christmas!!

On Christmas morning I woke up to J arriving at my house!!  He had woken up in the middle of the night and driven to see me on Christmas  :)  At first, I scolded him for driving so long in the dark... But it didn't last long because I was so happy to see him!!

One of my favorite traditions on Christmas morning is our Christmas brunch... I love sitting by the fire and looking at our tree when it looks the most beautiful!!  (Does anyone else notice how empty and sad it looks after all the gifts are gone?! It looks naked post-Christmas!!)

Mom hangs little mini stockings for the dogs... They get doggie treats and little toys or chew bones.  This year, the dogs were totally unconcerned with the toys Santa got them... All they wanted were their chew bones and doggie treats!!  Sometimes they get really into opening their presents but this year it was all about the edible gifts.  Little piglets.

My favorite part of our Christmas routine is looking in my stocking.  Santa always seems to find the perfect mini gifts to fit inside... Like little lotions or shower gels, lip glosses, ornaments, and sometimes something sparkly!!  Mom and Dad get stockings too... And this year, J was included  :)

After we look in our stockings, we exchange gifts... It makes me happier to give something to someone and see their reaction than to receive something.  I get so much joy from giving them something they love or from giving a silly gag gift that makes them laugh.  I love it so much J called me "crazy" repeatedly on Christmas.

This year, I bought Mom a book by an author we both love... Only to see that she was reading the exact book and had it beside their bed!!  We switched books so that she could have the one I got her and I could read her copy  :)  We know each other too well!!

Christmas Day is always very relaxed around our house, which is a great departure from the usual hustle and bustle.  I always look forward to relaxing and staying in my PJ's without guilt!!

We spent Christmas evening watching Les Miserables.  If you have a chance, you must go see it.  It's such a beautiful story and has some of my favorite music of all time in it.  Anne Hathaway's performance when she sings "I Dreamed A Dream" is so powerful and will stir the emotions of even the coldest heart.  I get chills whenever I think about it...


I hope you all had wonderful, cozy Christmases!!