I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
I’m still sitting in my parents’ house waiting for this latest snowstorm to subside. While I’m waiting out the snow showers, I figured I would share some pictures from our Christmas here in Baltimore.
After visiting my Grandparents this Saturday for Christmas at their place, we decided to drive back to my parents house and spend a four day weekend with them for Christmas. It’s always great to be able to spend more time with them.
Christmas Eve is always done at my parents’ house with all of my Mom’s family. Just as guests were scheduled to arrive, Baltimore was hit with this rogue snowstorm.
Even though I’ve lived in the North my entire life, I can only remember one truly White Christmas growing up. Despite what the movies would have you think, it actually is not the ideal way to spend Christmas because it means that traveling is pretty dangerous and you end up not really getting to see anyone.
Unfortunately, the same thing happened this time around. While most of our family was able to make it despite the storm, we had an aunt, uncle, and cousin stuck in northern Maryland, where the snow was much worse. Even though we missed them, the rest of us had a great time.
Which could have potentially been fueled by the delicious concoction you see above. My mom found this recipe for a cranberry lime punch that was like Christmas in a glass (think cranberries plus key lime juice and citron vodka). There may have been a few glasses involved in our celebrating.
The rest of the night was spent talking, laughing, eating, and playing, with a few presents mixed in.
Some of us were a little more excited about are presents than others. I had originally asked my brother and uncle to pose for this picture, since they managed to get similar hats as presents (which was completely unplanned). My older brother, always the jokerist, thought he’d pop in as well. Pretty much sums up my family right there.
Also on a random note, my sister in law made these adorable snowman cake pops. Seriously, I can’t think of anything cuter for Christmas.
The next morning, Christmas Day, we woke up earlier and headed over to my brother and sister-in-law’s house to open presents with them. Since my nephew is still small, we like to go to them so that he can play with his presents and still see us. He’s turned into a master present opener–when did he get so big?
After digging into breakfast and presents, we headed back to my parents’ house to exchange presents with them.
My favorite present of the day had to be Seasons 1-3 of Downton Abbey. Season 3 hasn’t come out in the US yet but it’s already aired in England. Mr. A actually bought this from a seller overseas so that we could watch it before it shows over here. #backoffladieshe’smine
We spent the rest of the day hanging out and playing with our gifts until we left for my aunt’s house for Christmas dinner. Since we see my Mom’s side on Christmas Eve, we always head over to my Dad’s side for Christmas. It was always a great way to see everyone without being rushed and stressed.
It was nice to be able to end my day with the people I started it with–this crazy crew that enjoys sitting next to each other and not talking 
With that Christmas 2012 was in the books. So glad that I was able to spend it with the people I love most in the world.
I hope your Christmas was just as lovely.
Now to drive home in this crazy storm…wish us luck!
How was everyone’s Christmas?
What was your favorite gift?
