So, for the second year in a row, we’re doing what had previously thought to be unthinkable – we’re staying put for Christmas and New Years. And we’re pretty darn happy about it.
Last year was the first time in many many moons that I hadn’t gone back to the East Coast at Christmastime – it was magical to celebrate the Holidays for the first year in our new house. We were ecstatic. We threw a NYE party that took a lot of prep. The time went by really quickly.
This year, we’re looking for a very quiet Christmas at home. The combination of fortuitous placement of Christmas and New Years Day on the calendar and generous holiday vacation policies mean that we’re both off from tomorrow (Christmas Eve) until the 5th of January. Yep, 12 days for Christmas. Pretty sweet.
There are no big plans (other than to figure out what Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners will be…) and we agreed to rein in our gift-giving to one another. We trundled off to the library and each got a big stack of books, so there will be reading and card-playing, and piano, and some movies to watch. Maybe go for a hike or two. Sounds perfect to me – though as with all vacations I’m sure the time will pass all-too-quickly.
Here’s hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season!
Stevil 
Lovely photos!Have an even lovelier Christmas
I'm just thankful that your holiday plans leave time for Scrabble. There is time for Scrabble, right? And I'd prefer you catch up on your games after happy hour.
Steve, that sounds like just about the most perfectest Christmas holiday ever. I'm insane with jealousy. Here I was all psyched that I actually get Friday off.Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year, to yourself and the Beloved. :)(Also, you should print and frame that second picture, it's really, *really* good.)
Very nice Steve! I tip my glass to you. Merry Christmas to you both. :-)
Nice tree! Have a great holiday. I wish we could stay put as well, but Dan hasn't seen his family for a while so we will make the trek.
Library books, a movie and a nice hike sound absolutely divine. J and I should do that, we're sick of the materialistic nonsense we feel obligated to do every year.
Both photographs are stunning, love the reflections in the glass frames!!!
The tree by the piano is gorgeous!
Great pics. Merry Christmas!
That tree is huge. Have fun at home. It is better that way.
Love your tree, piano, and the whole layout of the room they're in. Very nice!
Hope you have a very happy holiday season as well! Stay safe, warm, and healthy!
What a lovely way to spend the holidays! I'm a bit jealous, too. :PYour tree is beautiful and compliments your piano nicely.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Here's hoping you have a fabulous Christmas & New Year's – and all the vacation days in between! I second what everyone else said about the pictures. The tree looks lovely next to the piano, and is the perfect scale for the space.
so pretty. :) i know you'll have a lovely stay-cation. personally, i'm looking forward to the madness of the airport – it's been years since i've gone to florida to do nothing but sit poolside. granted, i'll be writing essays and pulling together a portfolio, but still. pooooooooooooolside.
Twelve. Days. I'm sure you can sense my jealousy from here.
Although, I'm pretty psyched about my two four-day weekends, so there's no complaining here!
A lovely Christmas to the both of you!
Janie — have no fear! Plenty of scrabble to be played over the break. And come to think of it, I think HH gets to start earlier… :)Merry Christmas to all the P's!
Thanks, N — Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you Liz!! Yeah, we feel pretty lucky to have a such a good break at home!
Thanks Zak! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Bookish! Merry Chrismakkuh to you and your hubby! Safe travels!
Thanks Ellie — will do a little commericalism too, but hopefully not too over-the-top… :) I like the reflections too — I also liked this picture that I took from the adjacent hall.
Thanks H — there was a LONG discussion about "how big can the tree be?" and still fit in the room. We cut it pretty close, but really love it.Merry Christmas!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you guys!
It is a big tree — we figured it was a big as we could fit. Merry Christmas to all the Budd-ians!
Thanks JMS!! We're really happy with the room too! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks enSue!! Its good to see you here! Hope you guys have a great Christmas!
Thanks Mello!! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! You didn't send any of that Swedish feast this way, by chance.. did you?? :D
We're really jazzed to just chill out for a while — though we don't have a pool. Safe travels, e*c — I'm sure your mom will be super-excited.
No waves of jealousy on Christmas Eve Eve — Merry Christmas Cori!!
Beautiful tree. Merry Christmas to you and the Beloved.
Nope, but I bet there will be leftovers…..
Have you tried those lingonberries yet?
Sounds great. What a lovely tree. Enjoy your time off. Peace in the New Year.
Wow. 12 days with nothing but books and music and sunshine that doesn't fake you into thinking it's warm out when it's actually two-below (oh, wait, that's here ….) Enjoy it all, rest well, and recharge. Peace!