Christmas Season

Merry Christmas season! Here are a few little things that made this years holiday season fun. First, I decorated my house! I love how cozy my house feels with all my Christmas decorations up.

I got a train to put around the base of my tree, I had planned to paint it to match my vintage decorations but time got away from me, maybe next year. Dinah was fascinated by it, which I found surprising, I thought she would be terrified.

She also enjoyed the tree and the train from the comfort of the couch.

Before the annual Vivaldi concert, we got dinner at Wildwood (formerly Avenues Bistro) The food here always blows us away, it is so delicious.

Mom and I shared beignets for dessert, they came with an entire bowl of fudge sauce and whipped cream for dipping.

This year they played the four seasons! They only do this program every few years, and we always love it when they do.

V and I went on a special Auntie and me date to the craft store and target to find some cute Christmas decorations for her adorable dollhouse. We found lots of super cute things and had such a fun time together.

We couldn't wait to get back home and start decorating!

Our holiday season included lots of cuddly nights watching Christmas movies and enjoying the twinkle lights on the tree.

We also saw a lot of gorgeous, winter sunsets.

I always love to watch the winter storms from the comfort of my couch out of my large living room windows. We had the perfect view of the valley.

I couldn't always enjoy the snow from the warmth of my house, I got to enjoy it up close with lots of my cute clients. Oscar had the cutest Christmas sweater. Notice how high that snow is!

Mac is Oscar's neighbor and we always check to see if he is out so we can go visit. Mac also had the cutest little Christmas sweater. Oscar wears this chic coat when not in his sweater.

One night, mom and I spontaneously popped over to The Garden Store to see how they had decorated for Christmas this year, their displays are always breathtaking.

This ornament made me giggle, it's of actor Leslie Jordan, an actor who made the most entertaining instagram videos during the pandemic and he always started them with his famous greeting.

Later in the season, I stopped by another adorable boutique in Draper, La Petite Maison Antiques. I hadn't ever heard of this little gem but I had heard they also have gorgeous Christmas displays, so I had to go check it out. I was not disappointed ....

I loved these little Paris oil paintings, I have ridden that exact carousal and ate the most amazing crepes right next door.

I was so excited to get to attend both Monty's and Vienne's school Christmas programs. Monty is two this year, so he actually isn't in school yet, it was put on by his daycare. Monty stood there the whole time, he never cried or tried to leave the stage, but he also never moved a muscle or sang a word. He just stood there like a deer in the headlights, sniffing his blanket and holding his train.

Vienne's program was so fun, the decorations alone were amazing. The entire school was in the program, they sang a few songs together, and then each grade sang a couple of numbers.

One night, during a super rough week, I heard some giggling and commotion outside my front door. I checked my ring and while they had taped a heart over it, I could see just a sliver of who was out there, it was the young women from my ward! They surprised me with the sweetest notes. They had no idea what I was going through, and it was such a strong reminder of tender mercies and how aware of me my heavenly parents are.

For neighborhood gifts, I made peppermint bark. I wrapped it in plastic wrap and tied with with a note saying,

"In case of emergency, break chocolate!" and included a little wooden hammer. It was super fun and easy to make!

During the two weeks leading up to Christmas, our ward did a Pixie program where anyone who wanted to participate put their name into a drawing and we all drew out names. We filled out a questionnaire that got emailed to our Pixie family so they knew a little bit about us and our favorite treats. My sweet pixie family gave me every single treat I listed throughout the two weeks. This was their final gift, a two liter diet coke and a stocking full of little bags of chips, the perfect gift! It was so much fun to come home to little presents on my doorsteps every so often. I had my neighbors that live kitty corner to me, I had fun creating fun gifts for them as well.

I love wrapping presents, I think it is so fun and so rewarding! I always love to make a big todo out of the experience, so I wait until I have all my gifts, gather up all my supplies, grab a yummy drink, throw on a Christmas movie and have so much fun with it!

The kitties ALWAYS love to "help"

Mom and Dad always create such gorgeous, delicious and festive meals during the holiday season. This was such one Sunday family dinner.

Mom and I had braved Trader Joes one night to get a peppermint chocolate cookie mix Karin had told us about, but our store was out of it. So to help us satisfy our chocolate peppermint craving, dad made us this cake masterpiece. 

So many fun little moments that add up to a fun and festive holiday season!