Brunch with Santa + An Early Christmas

Fun with friends, who happen to also be our neighbors.




Brunch with Santa is something Jon and I having been participating in with his dad and his wife since before we even had kids. Even during those pre-children days I enjoyed every single bit of it. From the Bloody Mary's to the crafts to the food to the overly decorated cookies to seeing Santa himself. I especially enjoyed coming home to a quiet house and napping on the couch, a forgotten treasure.

Now that I have my own children there is an abundance of magic in the air. The magic of their smiles and laughter, their whispers in Santa's ear, the cookie crumbs that seem to show up everywhere and hints of hot cocoa and marshmallows that trace their little lips.

I soaked it in this Christmas. I embraced every single moment. I sat down and listened to their stories while they sipped hot cocoas, I lent a helping hand when building gingerbread houses and I learned to step away and watch while they decorated cookies proudly on their own. We watched Christmas movies tightly cuddled together on the couch and read books about St. Nicholas late into the night.

It was a year of believing, of magic and spirit. I am amazed by how my children make me feel. They make me believe in the spirit of Christmas. If there ever was a time that I questioned it I remember their voices on Christmas morning, the look on their faces. I remember their excitement and happiness as they twist and turn in bed on Christmas Eve and I can even see the sparkle in their eyes as we hear the hymns played at mass.







On Sunday we celebrated Christmas early with my family. Continuing with traditions, my dad made Bacalhau, a salted cod dish commonly served in Northern Spain where my mom has family and where her father is from.

The tradition of Christmas doesn't get better than good food, family and conversation. Take away the sparkle and shine, the decorations, the shopping, the glitter and glam and what you have left is what it is really all about. Family. Friends. Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Giving, but in different ways and from the heart.










My brother and his wife, who is also Liz.







Josh is a little blurry, but gosh do I love this one of my dad and him.

Aunt Becky and the kids.

My parents and the grandchildren.




Jessica's dress c/o FabKids