December to Remember

Hello dear friends! I hope you all had a most joyous Holiday Season! In the week or two leading up to Christmas, it was a rather busy time here in our household {as I'm sure it was in yours}, so I apologize if I haven't posted or if I haven't had the chance to reply and/or visit your lovely blogs just yet. I recently arrived back into town late Tuesday night, after spending the holidays with my parents and family in Central California, so I look forward to catching up on what everyone has been up for the holidays! :)

Today I'd like to share with you some images of a few memorable events throughout the month of December. This year was our first Christmas in our new {old} home, so it was a very special time for all of us. Although we kept it fairly simple this year, we all had so much fun {especially my boys} decorating our cozy little cottage home.

On the "Eve" of Christmas Eve {aka December 23rd}, we turned on the twinkle lights in our living room and let our little one leave some milk and a small plateful of sweets for good ole Saint Nick! :) This was done a day early because we had planned to travel on Christmas Eve.

So 'Twas two nights before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...

Speaking of stockings, I would like to thank Susan from Evelyn & Rose for the lovely hopsack linen stocking with the raw-edged cuff that you see hanging above. I won some lovely items in her Christmas giveaway, including the stocking, a white burlap bag, and a pillow made out of cotton red toile that you see in the table below {thank you Susan!}. :)

As you can see, Santa decided to stop by for a snack and a drink, before he dropped off a few simple gifts underneath the Christmas tree. :)

The next morning we drove up to see the rest of my family in Central California. I was so happy to be able to spend some quality time with my dear mom & dad, as well with my sister and her family. It was just my sister and I as siblings growing up - so we are very close! :)

Here we are at my parents' home, passing out the gifts. I'm the one in stripes, and my sister is the one wearing purple. :) She was so sweet to gift me with some charming vintage items, including these 100 year old holiday post cards! ;)

I felt so blessed to be able to see my entire family again - especially my wonderful dad. Although I wish he was in better health, he is improving and I cherish each moment that I get to spend with him!

Other memorable moments in the month of December, included celebrating my dear husband's birthday on December 22nd. This year I made him a Peppermint Candyland Swirl Cake. This was White and Red Velvet Cake swirled together, frosted with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting & filling! A little decadent, but it was just so much fun to make! :)

His gift was then dressed up with Brown Paper Packaging, and then tied up with string. {The wrapping is just a Trader Joe's grocery bag}. My hubby loves to play the guitar, so inside the package is a vintage guitar magazine! :)

Other exciting events this month included my little one performing in his first Christmas program at his preschool, and my older one attending his new school's football banquet held at a local hotel ballroom.

Oh, and at my little one's preschool Christmas party, he did manage to bump into Santa as well! :)

Well my dear friends, that is all for today! I hope you are all enjoying and celebrating this blessed season with your loved ones and friends. May the upcoming New Year bring you peace, love and extra happiness!!!


XO's,
Jessie




Sharing with: How Sweet the Sound, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Home Sweet Home, My Romantic Home, Feathered Nest Friday, Free Pretty Things For You, Faded Charm, What's It Wednesday,