Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

It’s that time of year, Christmas time is here. Yep, I just quoted N*SYNC – the best of Justin Timberlake, in my personal opinion. With family and friends, home for the holidays takes on a new meaning. I was especially grateful when I received an email late last week from my boss announcing we had an extra day off for the holidays. Talk about an early, Christmas gift. Once the clock struck 5 o’clock on Thursday, it was hustle, pack, and bustle to make it home for an early Christmas celebration with the Baggett’s.

20111229-123052.jpgFriday was spent being lazy, admiring the barn progress, discussing wedding details, and wrapping last minute gifts. Mama cooked her famous, homemade doughnuts for brunch! I enjoyed a Friday, game night with my future in-laws, over pizza and Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Game, Knerks. And, Justin schooled us all – this time!

Side note, Justin and I taught the Heape’s the official Baggett card game, Knerks. Although Christopher and Mr. Barry are not into the speedy game – I think it’s because they aren’t any good! – Mrs. Teresa loves it.

20111229-123107.jpgChristmas Eve. Each year on Christmas Eve, the Baggett’s (+ guests) visit Nana and Papa’s for dinner and presents. {Nana and Papa are my dad’s parents. They literally live next door.} It’s a celebration with my daddy’s family. A special thanks to the Ferguson’s, the Volz’s, and Nana and Papa.

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Did I mention that Justin and I received our first Christmas gift together? Check it out. It’s a puzzle of our picture from last Christmas at Nana and Papa’s.

20111229-122518.jpg20111229-122553.jpgAfter a family filled evening with the Baggett side of the family, we have our Christmas tradition to enjoy. Christmas morning on Christmas Eve night. Strange, I know. But, that’s how we roll. It started one year with Brian Ray begging for “one more present” all night. Eventually, we’d opened all of the presents under the tree. The argument/justification… we would all rather sleep in on Christmas morning. Personally, I am a fan because Justin gets to participate and attend our Christmas morning festivities.

20111229-122647.jpg20111229-122829.jpgNow, before I start blabbing about all of the wonderful gifts I was given… I must reiterate the true meaning of Christmas. The ultimate reason for the season, Jesus – the best gift of all.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given… He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Part of the annual tradition is taking turns opening presents. It’s always fun to see the excitement on each others faces as we unwrap surprises. Although, this year – Mama and I were the only two who were truly surprised. Bethany, Brian Ray, and Daddy picked out most of their gifts.

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Christmas Day. We spend the morning discovering our stocking stuffers, showering, and rushing to Papa and Jennie’s for lunch. I’m pretty sure we have never been on time. After the exchanging of gifts, it’s time for lunch! This year, we were missing some loved ones including, Mama, Daddy, and Grandma. But, it was great to all gather around a good meal.

20111229-123028.jpg20111229-123017.jpgAfter I celebrate Christmas with my Mama’s family, I join the Heape’s at Meme’s for a gift exchange, dinner, and a friendly game of Screw You’re Neighbor. {It’s not as terrible as it sounds.} It’s a simple, card game in which the winner wins a Hello Kitty Toaster. It started a few years ago with the Cannon’s winning the white elephant gift. The game quickly evolved into a fun tradition. I mean, who wouldn’t want to win a Hello Kitty Toaster?!

I’ll end this Christmas post with one of my favorite songs of the season… N’SYNC’s Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

And all the love will show, ‘Cause everybody knows, it’s Christmas time and all the kids will see, the gifts under the tree. It’s the best time of year for the family. It’s a wonderful feeling, feel the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling. It’s that time of year, Christmas time is here. And with the blessings from above, God sends you His love. And everything’s okay. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

 

 
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