Christmas was magic. We had a larger than normal crowd with my moms siblings in attendance but it was warm and full of children’s laughter and joy exactly as it should be. My uncle made the most incredible variety of steaks and my eyes rolled to the back of my head with every bite. We ate any and all sugar cookies that weren’t nailed down and had some amazing bottles of wine. Santa was good to your girl and I got the most precious pair of socks with all my sweet children’s faces on them. I laughed til I nearly cried. It was perfect in nearly every way.

The week after Christmas is maybe my favorite week of the year. For us, in our family, most everybody has the week off. Offices are closed, no meetings, no emails, no school, no sports or activities. Just pure, quality family time. Especially after the rush and lead up to Christmas running around planning, preparing, and making Christmas magic for everyone, the week after is a slow, quiet, haze, spent just enjoying each other. We play games, watch movies, cook together, drink together. It isn’t fancy but it’s perfect for me. I’m so grateful for the family time and I don’t take it for granted for a second.

Every New Years my grandpa has a big gathering at his house with all of our extended family. Everyone takes turns cooking and sometimes it’s a potluck. There’s games and football watching. We play with everyone’s dogs and catch up. After we went home and had a relatively quiet night, we watched the ball drop on TV and shared a bottle of champagne.

Of course the new year brings new hope, promises, and dreams. I could’ve never imagined I’d be where I am now when I started my accounts in May. I’ve given myself permission to laugh, be silly, not care what others think, take chances, and live my life. I am so excited for the new year and what’s to come. I’m so grateful for everyone who follows along and enjoys my nonsense. Cheers to many more laughs!