Christmas

Just over a week ago, our families arrived to celebrate Christmas here together. Today, the last of our family members left to go home and now our house is quiet. Decorations have come down and all the bits of Christmas that were so lovingly placed throughout our home are now neatly stowed away in boxes. I'm always sad when Christmas ends. 


Christmas is by far my most favorite holiday. I think it's the gentlest holiday. A time when the good comes out in people. Strangers open their hearts to each other, offer up a smile or a kind act. It's a lovely time of year. Christmas, or the spirit of Christmas, is something  I wish to carry in my heart all year through. A gentleness, a warmth that reminds us all we are here because of and for something much bigger than ourselves. 

Christmas waves its magical wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. 

~ Norman Vincent Peale

This year, we spent Christmas in the Keys and it was the first time that both Jared and my family were together for the holiday. 


On Christmas Eve, we went to Church...

Then for dinner, we ordered enough Chinese take-out to feed an army. This is a family tradition of my brother-in-law's and Jared and I were very happy to begin the tradition in our home. These pictures, by the way, do not do the massive quantity of food on our counter tops justice.

     

My brother drove in from Miami on Christmas morning. He had three concerts in a row Christmas Eve night, so he wasn't able to come until then. (I'm so proud of him.) As soon as he got settled, it was time to unwrap gifts!

Then it was time for a family photo. The ties and jammies are compliments of Jared's mom. She loves silly gifts like that.

The rest of the week was spent inside being lazy or outside enjoying the warm Florida Keys sun. I love this time of year. Getting a break from the confines of our daily jobs or routines to just be as you are with the people you love...

We spent a lot of time on the patio sitting and talking, playing corn hole or swimming in the pool...

We took the boat out to Sugarloaf Sound. Jared grilled burgers and hot dogs on his new grill- a Christmas gift from his awesome wife. Then we waded around in the water, snorkeled, and Jared and Frank had an exhilarating raft race... 

We also went to the sand bar at Turkey Basin. Every time I go there, I'm pulled like a magnet into the beauty there...

At night, it was just cool enough to sit outside with the chiminea. This week was the first time we used it and we are hooked. I think Jared and I will have plenty of nights under the stars with that chiminea... 

We headed into Key West for dinner at Kelly's and live music at Sloppy Joe's... 

Every day was wonderful and although I'm sad that our families have gone home, the memories of this Christmas will fill our home and my heart all year through.