Happy Holidays from us to you! Here are some how-to’s on having a successful holiday no matter what you celebrate.

 

#1: Always have cookies on hand…they go faster than you think. These cookies were traditional shortbread cookies with homemade frosting and nonpareils sprinkled on top. We also made peanut butter caramel kiss cookies:

 

These were the household favorites. Being in California, it was hard to get into the Christmas spirit at first, but we figured it out eventually with Christmas music and presents everywhere. For a lot of people, Christmas is their favorite. There are certain things that are traditions and certain things that are soon made into traditions. If you’re celebrating with those you love, it’s easy to look forward to next year. Although I couldn’t be with my immediate family (Mom, Dad, and sisters) I was able to celebrate with my new extended family. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters because the holidays are about loving and giving and togetherness. It isn’t a holiday without any of those things, and if you know someone who doesn’t have anyone or anywhere to go, invite them in, you never know what may come of it.

 

It was Logan’s first Christmas this year, so there were many “firsts” today. Opening presents, meeting Santa, and eating solids (she got to try some carrots)! She got to play with all of her new toys and was a happy baby for her first Christmas.

#2: Enjoy every minute you can outside. It’s where everyone is happy, but most important, it’s where everyone is family. Inside is obviously an option if you live where it’s colder, but if you don’t, then enjoy the sun, the sunset, and wonders of a cool evening breeze. Light some candles, fires, tiki torches…whatever you have to light up the night.

 

#3: Don’t forget about the dogs. Give them a little treat so they stay out of your presents and out of your path. You’ll most likely have a lot to do that day (cooking, cleaning, opening presents, making cookies) and the last thing you want to do is trip over one of them. Let them enjoy the holidays too with a new treat that will keep them preoccupied for a bit.

#4: Make food. And lots of it. It’s another one of those holidays (much like Thanksgiving) where there’s too much food and lots to talk about. I didn’t get any photos of the food (it was gone before I could), but we had ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, stuffing, green bean casserole, salad, and of course desserts. This time around was much easier because we were only cooking for 8 and not for 15. Less people + less work = more fun.

 

I’m glad I got to celebrate the day with these fine people (that’s me on the bottom right). This one goes out to everyone that made this day possible. Happy Holidays from the West Coast Family!

 Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

-Dr. Seuss