Christmas in California was a little different this year, but insightful. I really missed the snow and crisp, frosty air that I hated so much back home. I've been so accustomed to having snow and winter on Christmas that it felt a little strange celebrating with sunny warm weather. It's so true that you never really know the worth of something until it's gone. I had such a weird longing for snow. A weird longing for that feeling of excitement to bundle up warm inside because you know it's so cold out. We also didn't put up a tree this year, which is always one of my favorite things to do, and we missed out on Sunday service and our annual girls' Christmas party. Traditionally, there were a lot of things we missed out on, but it made me appreciate things on much more minuscule level. Jesus, family, friends, quality time, and intangible things that sometimes get drowned out by the flashier side of the holidays. What is Christmas after all? When you strip away the decorations, the colorful Christmas lights, the tree, the presents, the music, the idea of the "holiday" spirit, and everything that makes Christmas feel like Christmas? It's really just another day in the year. I don't know why I feel more festive around Christmas, or more forgiving, more appreciative, more altruistic. It really should be how I am everyday and any given day of the year. Celebrating a stripped down Christmas was eye-opening for me and a good reminder of how contagious happiness, peace, and joy can be and how I can live my life like everyday is Christmas!
Christmas With the Family
Although there was a lot we missed out on this year, we did get to spend it with some of our family. Emily, David, and Arty flew all the way from Dallas, Monica all the way from Minnesota, and my mother in law drove all the way down from Northern California to bring us some holiday cheer. Our small studio was packed with 5 adults, 2 cats, and 1 dog! Just the way I love it :) Emily and David cooked us the most delicious meal: to die for prime rib au jus + the best mac n' cheese I've ever had (ate so much of it despite being an enemy of dairy), green beans, and mashed potatoes. We watched a few Christmas movie classics and did a little hiking afterwards to work off the hearty meal. We also did some ad-libs, which were way funnier than I thought they'd be. Monica was laughing so hard through one of them, she couldn't even get through the first sentence so I took it from her. I then ended up laughing too much so Lorzone took it from me and finally read it out loud. It really wasn't even that funny after he read it, I don't know what we thought was so funny!? Having them here with us was really comforting and joyful. Nothing mends a lonely heart like family, maybe other than Jesus ;) I have to give a special shout out to Emily and David for always being so thoughtful and generous with us. We love you two so incredibly much and am so thankful, grateful, and appreciative of your love for us. I wish there was more we could do for you guys, but know that we've always got your back no matter what and would give you the world if we could!
Huntington Dog Beach and Malibu
Wat Thai at the Thai Temple
Christmas Day
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