Hello, friends, and welcome back!! How was your holiday?? I can’t believe that this is my first post of 2020, but I’m excited to be back! Although, it is pretty tough to get back in the swing of the work routine, isn’t it? I mean, today is the first time I’ve been out of the house in TWO WEEKS, so you can probably imagine how I’m doing right now. The shock! The sights! The sounds! When did the world get so bright?? It’s certainly a lot to take in and it has me thinking about our grand Christmas adventure — at home, of course! Because, really, that’s the best place to be for the holidays, if you ask me!
I thought I’d share some of those photos today! Think good family, fun games and delicious food (spoiler alert: A huge pizza is involved!)…
We kicked off the festive season with a family get-together! And when you have a family party and order a pizza called The Hurricane…you quickly realize that a photo can’t possibly capture said pizza’s size! Talk about huge!! And delicious!!
This year, it finally hit me: We’ve started a new family tradition! Every year, usually a few days before Christmas, I get my hair cut because, you know, you got to look fresh and fabulous for the Big Day! We then meet for lunch (this year, we went to a great Mexican restaurant AND we got Janelle to be in the photo!) and afterward, I, umm, do my Christmas shopping. I know. I’m that person.
And, yes, I’m also that person who doesn’t wrap her presents until the evening of Christmas Eve. Picture this: It’s almost 7 p.m. and there is a mountain of gifts and wrapping paper all over my bed. I’m furiously cutting, wrapping, taping (repeat!) as my mom shouts “Your dinner is getting cold; do you want to get food poisoning?” over and over. Suffice it to say, I got all my presents wrapped — and narrowly escaped a bout of food poisoning!
Speaking of food, we usually have a huge breakfast on Christmas morning and this year was quite possibly the most scrumptious, most delicious, most EVERYTHING I’ve ever had. My cousin Mona sent us a pancake gift set with pancake mix and syrup made in Vermont. Friends, you’ve never lived until you’ve taste the sweet taste of syrup from Vermont. It’s a transcendent experience like no other!
Look what I got for my mom! I dare you to look at this photo and not immediately declare me the Best Gift Giver of all time!! Go ahead. I give myself 5/5 saxophones!
How cool is the theme in my mom’s gifts to me?? WOMEN RULE — and rule the world, right?? Well, we’re still working on the latter, but I know we’ll get there someday!
Stella and Whitney are usually notorious frenemies. But, they cuddled together and sat under the tree together!! It’s a Christmas miracle!!
Also, Whitney on Christmas morning is exactly how I’ve felt for much of 2019 — watching what’s happening and giving the world so much side-eye…
It may have been 55 degrees outside on Christmas Day, but I still had a “Frozen” Christmas!! What wonderful gifts from my mom and sister!!
After having a leisurely morning, we went to the movies! I never thought I’d be snapping a selfie with my movie popcorn, but here we are…
Anyway, we saw Little Women! Have you seen it?? I’ll be doing a separate blog post on the film next week, but in the meantime, here’s my capsule review: I knew I’d like Little Women, but I’m here to tell y’all that I LOVED IT. Jo March is everything!! She’s fierce and tough and completely unapologetic about it all. Such a relevant character to women’s lives in 2019…
A+
10/10
ALL THE THINGS
We had such a fun afternoon decorating cookies with friends!!! Big thanks to my mom for making her famous almond cookies!! The recipe was passed down from my grandmother and these cookies remind me of all things family and love.
Plus, did I mention that they’re delicious?!? So. Good.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas in 2019 without a festive holiday photo filter…or two!! As usual, Snapchat was on its game with the filters this year, so I couldn’t help but capture the magic!
I hope everyone had an equally magical holiday and New Year!! Speaking of New Year, look for a post tomorrow about my mantra for 2020. And let me know how you spent your holiday!! I want to hear about it all, so be sure to leave a comment with all your stories!! xoxo
Stefanie says
Stella and Whitney are such cuties!! I love that kitty cuddles were your x-mas miracle, it’s really precious.
Great post for kicking off 2020 on your blog!
Linda Fitzgerald says
Hi, Melissa…Glad to see you had a wonderful holiday! Great Christmas tree, presents, and cookies (yum)! You took some great pics of everyone! Wow on that pizza! 😉 Thanks for sharing with us! Hoping you have a super 2020!
Elizabeth says
I’m happy for you. It looks like your holidays were fantastic. I also had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year with my daughter, son in law and my 3 granddaughters. I really needed it. My year was horrible. I finally filed for divorce from my abusive husband of 23 years. I took my wedding rings off!! I’m moving on. Please say a prayer for me. You are such an inspiration to me 💗
Juliann Brumbaugh says
I spent Christmas week in the hospital where an awesome doctor from Syria was able to figure out what was wrong with me, and put me on the correct medicine! I’m son happy after a miserable year so al is well. Your photos are great. Love the pizza and the COOKIES EVEN MORE!!!!
MelissaBlake says
Hi Juliann! So glad you’re on the mend! Here’s to a great 2020…
Miriam says
Looks like you guys had a wonderful holiday season! Great photos! and the food looks delicious haha!
Wishing you the best for this 2020
In the Hammock says
This looks like a wonderful holiday with family, friends, and kitties!!! Happy New Year!!
Justin says
Thank you for sharing some of your family life. It’s really interesting to read about, and the photos are swell to see. While you were on holiday break, I actually had this thought: I’m looking forward to January 8th when Melissa said she’ll post again! I think I want a “She Persisted” calendar like yours; I’m a guy who’s totally on board with purveying the matriarchy!
Janelle says
Happy belated New Year to you.