Christmas Week in Photos

Well, Christmas has come and gone. 

I don't know about you, but our Christmas celebrations last almost a week between all the traditions & family gatherings. I love it all.

We kick off Christmas week the day after school gets out for break. 

The Saturday we got out, that night we did our annual tradition of looking at Christmas lights in our town. There is a Griswold house that never disappoints:

 The next door neighbor. Classic.

 We love this house. So fun.

 Other houses we always check out...one that has music/lights.

 And, Candy Cane Lane...a street that is lined entirely with candy canes. Love it.

There was  lots of cookie making & dessert making with me & the girls.

We made M&M Christmas Cookies 

 

 Used THIS recipe.

I made Candy Cane Kisses Cookies.

 Recipe {HERE}

I made Pam's Cheesecake for Christmas dessert.

Recipe {HERE}

And, I made Peanut Butter Ritzies.

Here is what you need for Peanut Butter Ritzies:

- Ritz Crackers 

- Peanut Butter (I use Skippy Natural Peanut Butter)

- Melting Chocolate/Candy Melts

- Sprinkles

As a Hormel Foods Extended Family Preferred Blogger, I learned that Skippy is under the Hormel brand! I love Skippy and I really love that they have a natural peanut butter that doesn't have to be refrigerated or stirred every time you use it! Check it out if you are looking for a yummy natural peanut butter.

“In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own."

 Steps:

Make peanut butter sandwiches with Ritz crackers (I use Skippy Natural Creamy peanut butter)

Dip the sandwiches in melting chocolate & then add sprinkles.

Allow to cool, then enjoy!

 I make Peanut Butter Ritzies every Christmas and Valentines Day. So yummy & so easy!

The Sunday before Christmas we had Larson family Christmas with Kevin's family.
Larson Family Christmas always starts off with gin fizzes. Yum! 


Kevin's mom LOVES Christams and goes all out. Here are all our stockings:



 Growing up we opened all our presents on Christmas Eve, so with our kids, that is the night we celebrate Christmas with my family & we still open up all our presents that night as well.

Christmas morning we had a nice little morning at home with the kids.

We stayed up until 1:30 getting Christmas ready.

Then we headed back to my parents house for Christmas brunch.

Gotta love my dad Jimmy's Bloody Mary's:

And, Jimmy's 3 meat Breakfast/Brunch:

It isn't Christmas Day if we don't watch A Christmas Story:

It was such a mellow Christmas day hanging out & watching Christmas movies.

Kevin (and Kate) had lots of fun building Kate's Lego Cruise Ship.

 

Dinner was amazing...Filet Mingon, PW's Mashed Pototoes & Roasted Brussel Sprouts.

 We ended the night by watching Home Alone 2. I love this movie :)

It was a wonderful Christmas. So mellow & relaxing.

 The next day was Decebmer 26....in my opinion one of the most depressing days of the year.
It is the day I take down Christmas & pack it all away.

It was packed up & cleaned up by 2pm on the 26th.

Every year, we put up Christmas the day after Thanksgiving and pack it up the day after Christmas.

 And. I am so sad about it. I love, love, love this time of year, but pack it all away because when it's over, its' over. I can't bear to look at all the decorations anymore knowing that Christmas is over. It's too depressing. And, plus....I am OCD...I need it all cleaned up :)

So, there you have it...our Christmas 2013. So thankful for another wonderful holiday with family.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas also....is your tree still up or did you take it down?

And, don't forget....this Friday, January 3rd we are having our Pin-Spired link up!

Link up your Pinterest Inspired outfits with me, Shay & Sheaffer!

Can't wait to see what you wore!