This year is especially bittersweet Christmas for us. It is the first Christmas that we are spending in our home. Although we are away from family today (due to work schedules) it was exciting to wake up in our own house on this day. We have done some of our traditions that were started three years ago when we lived in Chicago, and continue to create some new ones. Something that I have learned over the last few years is it is not about the actual date you celebrate - but rather cherishing the time that you do celebrate. As a result, we will have a chance to celebrate with our families this upcoming weekend. So, our holiday continues through the weekend! We will see what next year brings when we reach that time next year. However, I will cherish our first Christmas in our house.
Our crew opening presents. (From left going counterclockwise: Kiki, Milo ("Little Kitty") & Oscar.
The aftermath of the M. family Christmas! Success!
This year, we bought an artificial Christmas tree that we placed in our lower living room. Last year, when living in our apartment, we talked about when we had a house that we would have two trees. (Crazy to think that at this time last year, we were looking at finances and homes!) The artificial tree fit in great with our lower living space - next to our fireplace that is adorned with battery operated and real candles, decorations, and smells of freshly baked cookies. Picture perfect..... for the first few minutes. The newest addition to our crew, Milo (aka "Little Kitty") found this to be the "purrrrfect" thing to climb. After some debate, we decided to see what he would do with a real tree and to satisfy the craving of having two trees. So, here is our real tree set up in our formal living room. Go figure that he seems less interested with the real tree! Although, as you may notice from the picture, we went without ornaments this year in fear that he would knock them off. I'm hoping next year he will be out of his kitten phase and we can add ornaments. (The vet speculates that he is about 6 to 7 months old as of right now - but that's another story!)
We sat in here, opening up presents this morning. It was filled of sips of coffee, laughter, and phone calls with loved ones. As I sat there with Z, I couldn't help but think that this would be the room and place where we would open presents for years to come - regardless of what day it is celebrated.
I'm excited to watch our traditions continue and evolve as we celebrate holidays in our home. Here's hoping that your holiday had time of rest and celebrating! From our family to yours - Happy Holidays!
-E
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