Christmas 2024

Christmas Wreath from Mom

And just like that, Christmas came and went. It was the first Christmas since Mom passed away, another first of many firsts for a while, I suppose. It did take a bit more energy to put out decorations, but what helped I think, was trying to make it special for the kids and grand babies.  

Vintage Santa Candle of Mom's

Nobody got a kiss under the mistletoe this year!

Vintage Avon perfume bottles of Mom's

yep

Mom's vintage ceramic Christmas Tree

Jake's Biscochito Cookies

Let the fun begin!

Patrica, also known as Pa

Christmas Appetizers

Aaron watching Pa open his gift to her

Sweethearts

One of my gifts from Secret Santa, Brianna

Christmas Eve was here in our home, with our tradition of appetizers plus calico beans and homemade macaroni and cheese. Pa stopped by. Pop Pop and Aaron wrapped up the Nut Can Crew (little plastic cats and dogs) for Pa to open up, and the sweet smile on Aaron's face watching her open the gift was so cute. Little boy has a crush on Patricia ...

This year's festive lights

Candlelight Service

Tradition of luminaries in the neighborhood lives on

In the evening, Bruce and I went with Mark to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at his church. It was the perfect ending to the day, peaceful and calming. We would always go to the 10:30 pm candlelight service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley with Mom and Dad, so it was another nice reminder of them. 

Pretty

Katie's Christmas Ham Dinner

Wearing Christmas softies from Nama Nama PopPop

Katie and Avi invited us over to their place on Christmas Day. We had a delicious ham dinner, with Katie having made many of Grandma Joyce's cookie recipes. It was a relaxing afternoon, and we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the one with Jim Carrey as the grinch. 

Although not really on Christmas, Aaron had his first preschool Christmas program the week before, and Nama Nama Pop Pop were able to go, one of those things that grandparents live for! Aaron looked festive wearing his red sweater and green arm cast, too. 

Our little loves 💕