December 26, 2014

The Merriest of Days


I can scarcely believe it's over. I dream about Christmas all year long but it's not so much about the big day itself, but more about the spirit and coziness of the weeks before. It all passes too quickly and I'm already thinking about what I can do differently next year to slow it down and squeeze every moment of joy out of the season.


I realized I never shared our outside decorations. My guy made this tree for me out of scrap wood and I love that he doesn't even bat an eye at my quirky requests. He gets me in a way no other person in this world ever has.


Christmas Eve was a blur of cookie baking, movie watching, Santa coming down the street on a fire engine, A Christmas Story, Daddy reading The Night Before Christmas, the jammie fairy and everyone opening a single gift. Three of us opened a book and one of us opened coffee imported from his favorite coffee shop in Saugatuck, MI.


Our Christmas morning started at 4:51. That is what time these two fools started doing their Buddy the Elf impressions at the top of their lungs and piling on top of us in bed. It's impossible to be mad in the presence of such enthusiasm. Although I tried a little bit. Santa brought Emma this big tote bag filled with books. The only thing that excites that girl more than books is the idea of endless bookshelves to fill up with books! I'm telling you, we have a future writer or librarian or editor on our hands.


Santa brought Maddie the very coziest throw made by the elves at West Elm. Also, Daddy's girl alert. She gave us no wish list this year. She just requested cozy house stuff. That girl likes to feather her nest like no other 21 year old college student you've ever met. I promise you my first apartment was nowhere near that cute.


This is what you get when you make Emmy wait to open her first present until after the chocolate croissants are in the oven.


 Her mock pouting disappeared when she opened her first present. Every girl needs a pirate hat. I love this blurry, beautiful shot, with joy and sassyness beaming from those big brown eyes. This hat stayed on her all day. She is probably sleeping in it. I don't know if I've ever mentioned that Em loves dress up and costumes.


And just like that we are left with the memories of a beautiful Christmas spent with the people we love most in the world. I spent all of yesterday just feeling so spoiled and loved and full to overflowing with gratitude for this life I'm living.


16 comments:

  1. Looks like a beautiful family Christmas! I LOVE the outdoor Christmas tree! So cute!

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  2. So glad you had a very Merry one Jen. Thank you for saying just what I needed to hear...again.

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  3. I can't believe it's over either! Looks like you had a more than magical day. Merry Christmas!

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  4. It went by too fast for us also. But at least it was wonderful. That is all we can ask for, isn't it. : )

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  5. What a beautiful Christmas for you, JJ! And what a beautiful life you've made for your family.
    xoxo
    T

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  6. What a beautiful family you have Jen! I so miss my girls waking us on Christmas morning, it all flies too fast. I have decided to buck tradition and try to get my decorating done mid November next year. trying to squeeze everything into 4 short weeks (or less!) is too hard. Getting the décor out of the way will free me up to enjoy the season. Also, getting the shopping done and gifts wrapped early. I need lots of time for reading, movies, baking family and friends, so next year the other stuff gets done asap! Enjoy the rest of the year, and the time with your girls and sweet husband!

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  7. What a beautiful, loving Christmas! Your outdoor decorations are fabulous - very cool tree your husband made for you. Where do you get those big ornament balls that are hanging from your porch ceiling? Love the tote bag - just Googled it because now I want one! - and see some different ones on cafepress. I think I might have to order myself a belated Christmas gift. ;-)

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  8. Just lovely! I'm the same -- when I say that I love Christmas, I mean the entire season, not just the day (though it is pretty good too!). I just wish that I could figure out how to have one or two more weeks in between Thanksgiving & Christmas. I think that I'm going to have to keep the bag o' books idea for my little bookworm. I love it!

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  9. It looks like you had a beautiful day filled with family and love in your beautiful home.
    Merry Christmas!

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  10. so glad that your days were filled with those that you love.......It does go by so quickly doesn't it...... I would love to hear more on your thoughts of slowing it down a bit ...... Happy New Year!

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  11. every word you write, i feel like i wrote it myself, because our thoughts are so alike! i cannot wait for emma and henry to get married so we can merge our christmases together! (for the record: henry received eight books for christmas. ;) ) however, that plan works even better if we buy the house next door ...

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  12. Oh my -- what a sweet and special celebration. You really have an incredible family there! Happy New Year!!

    p.s. Love that pirate hat too!

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  13. Looks like a fantastic Christmas!!! I don't get to comment often, but believe when I say I look forward to and read every post you make. Wishing you and your family the happiest and healthiest of New Year's!

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  14. Looks like a fun Christmas! I agree-- you think about Christmas all year and then it goes so fast. We did enjoy it and had slow days afterwards but someday I want to get the slow days before Christmas. I wrote on my calender in November to start freezing cookies early and not to use a certain fudge recipe. I love your decorations on you front porch.

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