Christmas Celebrations 2013

I'm finally checking in after celebrating Christmas three times over the last week.

We started out with Craig's mom's family on Christmas eve. I scored a nice bottle of Snoqualmie Riesling wine during the dirty Santa game! Craig won some Victoria's Secret lotion in a scent I just happen to like.

I headed to my parents' house on Christmas day to open gifts and make Linzer cookies with my mom. It was so much easier to bake in her kitchen!

I received cash, candy, natural lip balm made locally and in a cute box, and a candle.

Later that night, I enjoyed a delicious blueberry flavored beer with dinner. Craig and I watched The Grinch (Jim Carrey version). He hadn't seen it before and I enjoyed seeing it for the second time.

I was kind of bummed I had to go back to work the day after the holiday. Luckily, my brother and his family came to my work to visit and I spent a lot of time with them, so the day flew by.

I had a half day of work on Friday and met friends for brunch at Benelux. I enjoyed a delicious and healthy tasting Quinoa Skillet with two fried eggs on top.

Our final celebration of the holidays took place with my side of the family at my parents' house on Friday evening. 

Truthfully, this was one of the most relaxing Christmases we have had in a long time. We opted out of exchanging gifts with a few people and it felt good not to collect more possessions we didn't need. Because we just got kittens, I also didn't put any holiday decorations up (except a wreath on our front door) and while I missed the mini tree and cute ornaments that go with it, it's nice not to have to take everything down now!

I took off of work this week, so I am just looking forward to some relaxing mixed in with other activities!