Christmas 2009...it's all about the traditions!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas this year!!

Christmas in my neck of the woods was low-key and relaxing; absolute perfection. I was off of work from the 23rd until today, so it was a nice chunk of time to just spend with friends and family. My best friend, Corey, and her fiance were in town for the holiday (as I mentioned...ok, raved about earlier) and it was wonderful to get to see them and spend time with them over the past week. I miss having her around and Matt is one of the craziest, funniest kids I know! There was a lot of laughter, which is always a lovely thing in my book!

Other than Corey and Matt, I spent most of my time with my parents. We always do Christmas just the 3 of us, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Obviously, having grown up with quiet, intimate Christmases, I don't know any different, but I also don't desire anything else...I like our little family tradition. My mom and I browsed the stores on Christmas Eve so we would know which places we wanted to hit on the day after Christmas. This is tradition! I was able to meet Corey and Matt for lunch so I could see them one final time before they headed south to see Matt's family and then back to Baltimore after the holidays. This good-bye wasn't as bad as others have been, probably because I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be moving back in 6 months...and, I plan to fit in another East Coast visit between then and now. Following lunch, it was back to my parents' house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres with my Dad's best friend. Another tradition! Anyone seeing a theme here...? This lasted most of the evening and then it was time to wind down with some TV and a book and off to bed to anxiously await Santa's arrival!

Christmas started off with coffee and quiche-making, followed by mimosa's and presents! We went through stockings and started in on the gifts while the quiche was baking, took a little break to devour some deliciious quiche and then finished up round 2 of presents. I got everything I wanted and more, including (finally) a new winter coat! But, jewelry seemed to be the theme this year, both for my mom and for myself. And, my Dad surprised my mom and me with gift certificates to get manicures together; he can be so thoughtful! After presents, the 3 of us just lounged around, took our sweet time fitting in showers, and basically munched our way through the day. Dad cooked an amazing beef tenderloin for dinner and made hot fudge for dessert...yum! All in all, it was the perfect day!

The day after Christmas began early for Mom and I with stops at Pier 1 (they have the best after-Christmas deals and are rarely busy in the am), The Cupboard and Perennial Gardner/ Sense of Place (amazing local stores here in my town). Obviously, we fit in coffee and a scone while waiting for a couple of the stores to open up. Going shopping with my mom on the day after Christmas has been a tradition (there's that word again!) for as long as I can remember. We used to hit more stores and end the morning by going out to breakfast with my dad, but we've gotten more low-key over the past couple of years. I love being able to re-stock my gift stash at amazing prices, but I find I am more controlled in my purchases, which is a good thing. After the shopping, things went back to being low-key. Mom, Dad and I ate a little lunch, I headed back home where I cleaned and did a few things around the house, then I hit the gym and settled in with my book. 'Twas lovely!

And finally, the highlight of yesterday was seeing "Sherlock Holmes" with my parents. It was a great movie and I highly recommend it! I read the Sherlock Holmes books when I was younger and have always enjoyed the characters. The story kept me interested, I liked the way the movie was filmed and the cast was superb!

How were all of your Christmases?! I hope this holiday was as wonderful for you all as it was for me!