Christmas Recap {2019}

I have to start my recap with the week before Christmas to tell you the online shopping saga! We ordered new living room furniture on Black Friday weekend (more on that later!).  In my excitement I somehow entered my parents’ address as the shipping address for my chairs. After many calls and online chats with Target and FedEx….one chair arrived at my house and the other arrived at my parents’ front door. Two states away from me. 🙂

Dad saved the day and drove down here last Thursday so that my furniture would be complete in time for Christmas! We had a good time catching up over supper – a rare one on one visit with my Dad! – before he drove back home that evening.

The Friday before Christmas, Paul and I took his parents to see a musical version of A Christmas Carol that was highly recommended by some friends of ours. It was a fun and festive way to kick off the weekend before Christmas! They all really enjoyed it! Real Life: it was Three. Hours. Long. and I find several parts of that story a little too spooky for my taste. Ha! 🙂 

Fast forward to Christmas Eve – since we spent Thanksgiving with my side of the family, we stayed home to spend Christmas with Paul’s side. His family met us at our church’s Christmas Eve service and then came back to our house for supper.

The service was beautiful and a timely reminder for my own heart of the hope and fulfillment that only Jesus brings.

My Christmas Eve menu was the easiest ever! I served Papa Johns pizza and Greek salad for the main course, with all the focus on dessert. I made Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Peppermint Truffles and brownies (from the Aldi box mix) that I served with some delicious homemade salted caramel sauce I received as a gift!

Christmas morning was relaxing – we enjoyed breakfast and The Muppet Christmas Carol (much more my speed than the traditional version, ha!). I made the Pioneer Woman’s Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole to go with cinnamon rolls and fruit.

I really liked the casserole – it’s perfect if you like more potatoes than eggs in your breakfast casserole, and so easy to prep ahead of time!

Christmas Day turned into a really fun date day! We had reservations for Christmas dinner at The Westin Poinsett, served in the ballroom of this beautiful 100 year old hotel.

The food was delicious, and it was possibly the second time I’ve ever eaten out for Christmas Day making it feel even more luxurious!

It was the most beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 60’s. We enjoyed walking around downtown Greenville, taking in all the Christmas decor without even wearing a coat! Sidewalks that are usually shoulder-to-shoulder with people were easy to navigate. It was lovely!

This could easily be a new tradition for Christmases we spend at home! 

“And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans‬ ‭15:12-13‬ ‭

Jesus came to bring hope to our shattered world, giving us joy and peace that exists in spite of broken hearts and difficult circumstances. This was a lovely Christmas – but it certainly wasn’t perfect. I missed my family, Paul worked 12 hours on Christmas Eve and we were a little under the weather all week. I’m thankful for the hope of the gospel that adjusts my attitude when I’m tempted to let those circumstances ruin the day!

I hope you had a wonderful week! ❤

Christmas 2018 / Christmas 2017 / Christmas 2016 /Christmas 2015 / Christmas 2014 / Christmas 2013