Christmas 2011

This Christmas was spent in the US with my side of the family. Seeing as the third year of medical school is pretty busy, and because Mike's Green Card hasn't been processed yet, we spent this year in the US. We would like to try and keep things even between our families, one Christmas in the UK, the next in the US, and we've been able to continue that for the past 4 Christmas Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we got together for a meal and to open the presents - which has always been our tradition. We go to church, have a meal, and then find that presents are under the tree when we finish. For us, Santa always comes on Christmas Eve - a Catholic (and Christian) tradition based on the story of creation in Genesis where "there was night, and then day followed", which allows for 1 day to start at night (which is the opposite to how we think of 1 day). So, since Jesus was born at night, in biblical terms his birthday is December 25th, which means his birth-night was the 24th. Or maybe this tradition just popped up somewhere in the ancestry, whatever the case, we have carried it on.

It is so much fun to watch the kids open presents! We always take our time, open 1 present at a time, and the gift opening usually takes a few hours. This year we had Sangria, but traditionally we drink Whiskey Slush (something I have had since I was quite young!). We were spoiled again this year, so many presents under the tree! But the best part was spending the night with our whole family together. It certainly doesn't happen often enough.

A Gift from the Kids - a preloaded virtual photo frame

"ONE BOOT!?" - Alex

Princess Kate's new Hat & Gloves

Matching Gifts for Andrea & Joe

Luke & Alex:

Max's Gift Opening

A New Stethoscope for Mom

Luke loves Max's new bed!

...Marley is a happy dog!

Andrea & Joe:

Grandpaw's for Christmas Day

Mom & Dad's Outdoor Crib

 Lights:

A Few of my North Pole Series Houses & Characters

Some of My Christmas Gifts:

Sparktacular Nail Polish, a dress from Jane Norman, clothes for work, Perfume, Mary Kay makeup, Urban Decay Eye Shadow, work-out tank top, leave-in hair conditioner, wine glasses, a new spa shower head, a head scarf, fingerless gloves, wine bottle stoppers, mint chocolate candle, a classy makeup brush set, a drawer for my Tassimo coffee + more coffee, and a lamp with a virtual picture frame that I "can put on my desk in England and fill it with pictures of my family and home". How Thoughtful!
 **Not pictured includes another North Pole House and characters for my collection, 2011's Precious Moment ornament for my collection, a gift card to my salon, and others...!

Some of Mike's Christmas Gifts:

 And I bought Mike new skis and ski boots, plus gifts from others included a shirt from Zara, new shoes, cologne, scarf, hat, and more...!