Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Welcome to Our Christmas!


















































Well, it's the morning before Christmas. I'm sitting here on the sofa, drinking coffee, watching the snow fall and wondering what to post about. There is so much, how do I choose? Maybe I'll have a brownie and think it over...by the way, THANKS for those delicious brownies, Cindi! - I did manage to keep them hidden - (wink).

We have already begun to celebrate Christmas. My husband's parents have all the kids, grandkids, and greatgrandkids over the weekend before Christmas to visit, open gifts and of course, pig out (my favorite part!). It is always so much fun. My Mother-In-Law always hides the pickle ornament and has a special gift for the one who finds it. She makes lots of yummy treats and spoils the grandkids. My Father-In-Law always pretends to be annoyed with all of the commotion of opening gifts and such. I love it. My favorite part of Christmas this year was watching our son's face show true happiness. It isn't often that I capture him with a natural smile. How can you top that?

This year hubby and I made most of our gifts. He is at the shop finishing up his now. I can't wait to see how his turn out!! I made lots of goodies (see earlier posts) too, and it's been fun delivering them to family and friends. I will be late with some, as usual, (sorry, Cindi) but that's just me. I like to spread the Christmas Season out as long as I can. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Christmas morning is quiet at our house. We empty stockings and check to see if Santa ate all his cookies. It wasn't always like that. When ds was little, he didn't go for the whole "Santa Thing". I asked him one year "what would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas?" and he said "NOTHING!" So I said, "If Santa doesn't bring the presents, how will you get them?" and he said "Nana will do it." And he pointed his little finger at my mom and said to her "And never mind the red suit, either!" At least now we can just pretend Santa filled the stockings and have fun with it.

As kids, we always got fruit, nuts and candy in our stockings, along with many other treasures. As we opened gifts, we snacked on these treats until breakfast time. Breakfast varied from year to year, but we always HAD to have those Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls in the can. My mom always baked Christmas goodies from scratch, but it was a treat to my brother and I to eat these rolls for Christmas morning. We didn't get them the rest of the year, so it was special for Christmas. It has become our tradition. I know, heart attack in a can, but mmmm...they taste so good! It just wouldn't be right for Christmas morning to start any other way.

This is a new tradition started by our son. After breakfast we get dressed in our new Christmas clothes and head out to the movies. Jacob (dear son) LOVES movies. They are an obsession for him. He always chooses the Christmas Day Movie. This year he picked out BEDTIME STORIES. I'll let you know how it turns out!

After the movie, we come home and eat more food, hang out and listen to Christmas music or watch more Christmas movies. We may visit family, or have family and friends over. Since there is already plenty of snow this year, we may take the snowmobiles out for their first spin of the season.

That's about it. We just love Christmas at our house and I'm so pleased to be able to share it will all of you. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave a comment for me. I'll randomly choose a winner from all those who leave a comment and send you a Christmas Present....Is this the start of a new tradition??? Merry Christmas to you all!

Next stop for Christmas Open House Around the World is: Sherri/iloveflipflops in North Carolina!

http://sherri-iloveflipflops.blogspot.com/











16 comments:

BarbK said...

Tracey, thanks so much for inviting me into your home for a visit. The pictures are lovely and those treats look delish! It's wonderful that you and DH have made all of your Christmas gifts. They are so much more special that way.

Midnitecreations - Renu said...

Loved your decorations, especially the little tree in the corner. Wish we had snow like you, too. My favorite part was reading that you and your DH made all your gifts. That's so special. Thank you for the tour of your house. Merry Christmas

Far North said...

Tracey how generous of you to invite us in for your Open House! I loved seeing what you do to celebrate...especially handmade presents this year! What a wonderful picture of you handsome, smiling son! Thanks for sharing!
Christmas blessings to you!

Tami Bayer said...

Your home is so warm and cozy Tracey. I love the tour. Your hand made gifts are treasures. Happy Holidays.

K Hutchinson said...

I just love your house! It is so warm and cozy. It makes me want to sit and drink coffee and watch the snow fall with you! Ok we have those same rolls for Christmas morning! YUMMY!!!! Merry Christmas!

Heather Grow said...

I love your country home. I think it's wonderful that you all make gifts for Christmas. That hot chocolate looks yummy.

Sherri Thacker said...

I love all of your pretty decorations. That hot cocoa has me craving some now :). Have a merry Christmas! Sherri

Frankiesue said...

Tracey thankyou for sharing your home with us...

I especailly like the part where you've made all your own gifts, that must make it extra special

Mary said...

Thanks for sharing your holiday with all of us!
mahodgman

Chrisd said...

I feel as if I came over for a visit. Thanks for the invite...
Have fun at the movies:>!
Hugs from Michigan

christie said...

Very nice!!! I am having so much fun seeing all of the Chrismas stuff!! Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Tracey, thank you for the wonderful Christmas tour of your home. I just love the country look and to think you and your hubby make all your gifts. You certainly have captured the true spirit of Christmas which shows with your big heart! Merry Christmas!
Amy S.(scraphappy908)

Unknown said...

Thanks Tracey, this was so fun to visit your blog, and learn about your favorite memories from Christmas!

Cindi said...

Tracey, I love your post!! and The pic of Jacob is a priceless treasure..he looks so relaxed and natural!! Merry Christmas!!
love you
:)

Flugwerft said...

Tracey, Thanks for the tour. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Christmas tags. They are all so beautiful. I think I'd like to make mine for now on.
Your house looks so inviting. You and I have the exact same dining room chairs, BUT yours shine where as mine have a dull sheen of dust....
Merry Christmas,
Cheryl (again on my ds's name)

Arlene said...

I started at Anne's and stopped by a little late, but I see by your comments, you like to extend the season. Hope there isn't too much snow to dig through. Arlene (aka Clarian's Hawk) at http://arlenesbits.blogspot.com/