This Christmas ...

was perfect.

This year, Christmas was a bit slower paced and filled with LOTS of much needed family time. (Work has been kicking my rear lately so the downtime was good). Christmas Eve, the fam went to church where E & I worked with "the walkers" (children aged 12 -18 months) during one service. We loved seeing the kids in their Christmas outfits and it truly brought back the innocence of Christmas. We went to the following service, which is one of my favorite parts of Christmas as we participate in communion and end with singing Christmas carols in the candlelight!!!! After church, the family went to an old greek diner for a late dinner to fill us up and put us fast asleep to wait for Santa's arrival. Christmas day was super relaxing and I stayed in my pajamas ALL.DAY.LONG. We opened presents, had our traditional breakfast, worked on a puzzle all afternoon, napped, and enjoyed a nice dinner with my grandmother!! I couldn't have asked for a better day. However, one of my favorite parts of this Christmas came the day after. This year, our extended family all gathered at my cousins for an afternoon of family fun and amazing food! We always struggle to get together with everyone's busy schedules, but it was so nice to have everyone under one roof to just enjoy the holidays and each others company. I hope it is a tradition we carry forward! It's hard to believe Christmas is over, but I have to admit, I am ready for what the new year has in store!!!!!