One week away from the BIG event—Christmas Day! I’m getting excited…stressed about the laundry list of what I need and want to get done beforehand, but excited about the wonder and magic to come. It’s such a special time. Last post I shared three favourite pre-Christmas things I look forward to. Today I’m continuing with three Christmas Day events that make all the hustle and bustle beforehand so worthwhile.
stockings
Once our foursome was set, I had huge ambitions to handmake stockings. I’ve always been inspired by the stocking my husband’s mother handmade for him. Buuut I’m no seamstress. Pretty sure the last time I used a sewing machine was in home economics (circa 1997!). So I lovingly let this dream go and graced our mantel with these ↓ timeless, cozy stockings by @hearthandhand_magnolia instead. #noregrets
What I am here for is hearing our girls discover their stockings filled and waiting outside their bedroom doors. It’s a very merry way to wake up. Everyone then piles on our bed, ready to dig into the goodies Santa left. Each gift comes with a riddle so we try to guess what our gift is before unwrapping it (a tradition we’ve continued from my in-laws, though we usually never solve them!).
I’d love to know what sorts of stocking stuffers you like to give or receive, so please comment below! Over here, Santa delights in giving practical gifts. I’ve never seen anyone so happy to receive a 6-pack of glue sticks!!🤣
cinnamon star bread
Our family loves breakfast and if we can fancy it up, we will. For past Christmases, I’ve done cinnamon rolls, banana bread french toast, and even a gingerbread cake! They’ve all been delicious but last year I think this Cinnamon Star Bread by @cafedelites is our annual winner.
Gorgeous AND sooo yummy. Can’t remember how I stumbled upon the recipe but I knew I had to try it. I probably reread it a hundred times before diving in. Fortunately, her step-by-step instructions and photos are super helpful. A few notes from my experience:
In the comment section of her recipe post, she shares that you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. I did this and had everything else prepped for assembly on Christmas morning.
We replaced the 2 eggs with Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer and brushed the top with milk. Both substitutes worked well!
The filling is not overly sweet; in fact, I (the non-sweet tooth) would increase the amount of brown sugar and cinnamon to 1/2 cup and 2 Tbsp, respectively.
Between us four and two grandparents, the bread was gonzo by 11 am! Sooo if you’re feeding more than that, I highly recommend making TWO!
red ornament
Like our home decor, our Christmas collection is small. And it’s intentionally that way. Every item we display has a meaning and purpose that gives us more in return. More time to enjoy the season. More appreciation for what we have. And more fond memories to build around each piece.
The first red ornament I gifted to my husband represents us and each Christmas spent together. Our tradition now is taking turns finding a one-of-a-kind red ornament, so that each year we add something unique to our family tree. My hope is to one day look back at these individually collected pieces and see all that we’ve celebrated together.
Do you have a special holiday tradition with someone you love? If not, I hope this inspires you to make one…it’s these little gestures that can mean so, so much.
what part of Christmas Day do you look forward to most?
As a kid, I loved every part and didn’t want the day to end. As an adult, I’m happy with any quiet moment to sit and soak up the feeling of togetherness. However you spend Christmas Day, may it bring you some relaxation, peace, and joy.
Always,
Yorumlar