Live Accordingly: Happy Holidays

As always, I was overly excited that Christmas was nearing, and I began to get in the holiday spirit a bit early {November 1st early}. As soon as the pumpkins and spiders came down, the Christmas tree went up. There is something magical about a darkened room lit up only by the glow of the Christmas tree. While Wyet wasn't completely on board with my early decorating, he certainly was sweet enough to make sure that the tree was plugged in each night before I returned home from work.

Even though we moved in our home last year in early December, it felt as though this was our first real Christmas in our house together. We were more put together, less rushed. For our first {real} Christmas under one roof, we decided to be extra merry and put lights on the house. {Of course by "we" I mean Wyet.} I was beyond excited to have our house all lit up, and I am so grateful that Wyet braved the heights and had all the lights up before Thanksgiving.


{Notice the pups in the window!}

As always, my family attended the annual production of A Christmas Carol at The Hale Theater. We have been attending this play for years, and yet it never gets old. There are certain scenes that relentlessly bring tears to my eyes, and I always leave feeling uplifted. A Christmas Carol encourages me to be a bit more giving during this busy time of year and helps me remember the true meaning of Christmas.

After the play, we all went out to Zupas together for a little family dinner.

As the awaited day finally approached, Wyet and I each opened our Christmas Eve gifts {pajamas, of course} and watched Christmas Vacation yet another time. Wyet surprised me with the most nostalgic gift, How the Grinch Stole Christmas {cartoon style}! We watched my new movie {a few times} and visited my brothers before heading to bed.

New jammies!

When Christmas Day finally arrived, we opened our gifts while enjoying some coffee {the puppies even had a few gifts to open themselves}. As always, we went to my parents for breakfast and enjoyed my dad's infamous eggs benedict. When we returned home, we enjoyed a few family visitors while watching A Christmas Story.

The pups opening their stocking gifts!

Wyet and Murphy playing with the pups new toys.

As Rio celebrated her 16th Christmas, it only seemed fitting to treat her like a gift and don her with a bow.

Wyet finally got the griddle he had been asking for!

Dad opening his usual gift {we always get him the same thing} before breakfast.

Jerrod happily opened his present while Cameron tried to wake up.

By far the best thing about Christmas is my dad's eggs benedict. This is, without a doubt, my favorite indulgence.

Despite my knowledge that holiday gatherings are far from easy, I volunteered {insisted} on hosting Christmas dinner at our house this year. Wyet made an appetizing smoked prime rib that everyone enjoyed, I partook in a glass {or two} of spirits and handed out gifts to our family. The party was full of laughter and happiness, and we were all surrounded by the people we love. The way I see it, there is no better way to spend a holiday.