Yeah, so the whole idea of starting to write every day didn't really work out. It was probably for two reasons: it was December and I was in the process of quitting a job. Life got really nuts around the holidays, just like it does for everyone else.
I am warning you now that this is a long post. Hopefully, I will get photos up soon, but this is just a text review of the holidays. If you don't get through it, I won't hate you!
We had a day after Thanksgiving gathering and our Christmas party Dec. 11 (and I had made 13 kinds of cookies all the food, decorating, etc.). On Dec. 12, we went to a surprise 50th birthday party for my aunt and went to Hozak's farm (the same place we got our pumpkins) to pick out our annual live tree. The following week I had a work Christmas party and was getting ready for Christmas.
On Dec. 19 we went to my grandma's house to decorate her tree, and my cousins were there, too. It was a good time. Since my grandma wasn't feeling well, she told my mom the week of Christmas that she would like my mom to host the holiday. She didn't want to give it up, but it was the best choice. I had spent all day Dec. 8 taking my grandma to get x-rays and tests done. We were all excited mom was going to host Christmas, since my parents' house is bigger.
My last day of work was Dec. 21, and it was such a happy day for me. I hated the job, and I really needed to move on. (You can read more about that here.)
On Dec.23, we went to dinner at Undo's, a local Italian eatery, and then we went to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert. He is a local musician who puts on a fantastic show. If you ever get a chance to listen to his Christmas music, you should listen. Joe and I pretty much agree that the B.E. Taylor Christmas songs are the best versions of the songs. We love him.
Dec. 24 was the most wonderful Christmas Eve. It was so relaxing and wonderful. I assembled a Christmas breakfast casserole (apples, French toast, etc.), and here is the recipe for it. I used the reviewers suggestions and flipped the layers. Also, I added a little pumpkin pie spice and most of the apples. It was tasty. I then made a cranberry spread that my family loves. I made that for our post-Christmas Eve Mass celebration. I served the spread with Nilla wafers, cinnamon Graham cracker sticks and honey Graham cracker sticks and honey wheat pretzel sticks. Here is the recipe for the spread. I also assembled a DELICIOUS chicken, broccoli and stuffing casserole. That recipe isn't online. It was from a Taste of Home magazine.
After making those things, my husband and I made lunch and cuddled on the couch to watch "Home Alone." It was so perfect. After that, we got ready for dinner at my parents' house. My mom made pasta, sausage and salad. After dinner, my brother, sister, husband, dad and I went to church early for choir practice and then celebrated Mass. There is nothing as magical and wonderful as Christmas Eve Mass. It was beautiful. After Mass, we headed back to my parents' to hang out a bit longer, visit and eat again. Come on, it's the holidays!
The next day, Joe and I woke up early and opened our gifts from Santa and each other. Wow, he spoiled me. My favorite gift from him was probably the mugs, plates and bowels he bought me from Ireland that match the teakettle I bought when we were there in August. I was pleasantly surprised. Then we headed to my parents' house to exchange with everyone. We had breakfast, then my mom, dad, husband, family friend who is a priest Father Bill and I headed to my dad's mom's house and visited and had lunch. We then headed home and got ready for Christmas dinner. Everyone was there, including my in-laws. It was great. That night my brother stayed the night so he and my husband could play their new video games. I made them barbecue riblets and chicken nuggets.
The next day, my husband and I hosted a Christmas movie day for our friends after Mass. We served sloppy Joes and a delicious macaroni and cheese. (Note: I used to make Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese, but this recipe is better.) I made a triple batch, and it was hammered. We all wear pajamas and everyone comes over and brings food and blankets and we are bums ALL DAY. We watched "The Santa Clause," "Elf," "Polar Express," "A Christmas Carol," "The Grinch," "The Grinch" cartoon, ""Four Christmases," and "Christmas Vacation." it is so needed after the busy holiday.
On Wednesday, we visited with my cousins, and we had a wonderful time. We went to their house, and we had a blast.
Thursday was the Christmas celebration at my dad's mom. We had lasagna, salad, bread and tons of cookies and cake.
On New Year's Eve, my parents hosted again! It was great and the night did not conclude until almost 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. We played games and had a wonderful time. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend stayed with us because my in-laws Christmas celebration was the next day, and their house was a bit crowded. So, after virtually no sleep, we headed to the in-laws for a wonderful Christmas gathering. It was a long day!
The next day we went to church and then my husband, sister-in-law and her boyfriend headed to my parents' house for leftovers. Then my sister-in-law headed back to Cleveland, and we went to my parents' for dinner that evening.
It was a busy but wonderful holiday. Although we continued the season through yesterday, our big celebrating concluded then. I wish everyone a blessed and Happy New Year! Hopefully we have an exciting and winderful year approaching. Stay tuned, and I am back!
