We’re down to the final stretch now until Christmas! My to-do list is getting smaller and smaller, and that cozy Christmas feeling is setting in. I had a lovely weekend with my family and it got me excited to be heading back home again this week.
On Friday night I finally had time to get my holiday baking finished. I found these cute tins to package cookies up in and the gift tag is printed from Lia Griffith. Garrett was just glad he got home in time to sample all the broken ones.
Some of the cookies made it on the tray my mom put together for our family Christmas on Saturday for my Dad’s side of the family. My aunt always puts together a great spread, complete with a chocolate fountain. She makes just about the best turkey, complete with all the sides and lots of yummy dessert too.
They have the cutest cat right now, who was quite happy to play with all the ornaments and stalk the gifts under the tree.
Just look at those eyes!
We also had a cute Santa to go around and hand out all the gifts.
My cousins’ boys are all at really fun ages right now. They were so excited to find out was in the big wrapped packages my mom brought in.
You should have heard the squeals when they saw they were flying discs. They could hardly get their snowsuits on fast enough.
I can remember being that excited to go outside, as opposed to grumbling like I do now, ha!
On our way home we stopped by one of those light displays with the Christmas music. It never ceases to amaze me how people are able to put these together well. I don’t think I’d have the patience to lay them all out, but I sure do love watching them from afar.
Sunday we lounged around at my parents’ house for my sister’s 25th birthday, wrapping gifts and baking gingerbread cookies. There is something so soothing about being at home with the family tree glowing, full of all the ornaments we’ve collected over the years.
My mom got her village set up this year as well.
My dad bought her this cut retro Christmas tree and a little dog house to add to the collection.
For dinner, we made our favourite Cheese Fondue with lots of things for dipping – apples, fresh and steamed vegetables, and crusty bread.
When I looked back through the blog, I realized we made the same thing for my sister and brother’s birthdays two years ago. It’s quickly turning into a family tradition.
For a birthday cake, my mom made this awesome Gingerbread Cheesecake recipe from Martha Stewart. It used crushed homemade gingerbread cookies in the crust! It was so decadent and yummy.
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Tonight I’m so excited to have our own little Christmas at home – just me, Garrett, Whiskey and Cola. Keeping the gifts a secret has been so hard! Good thing I don’t have to wait much longer!
Sounds like a lovely time! The kids are too cute! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!