What is Marriage: Holiday Traditions

What would marriage be without two different families to negotiate around the holidays? John and I got lucky; our parents live only three hours apart, so we're able to see them both over Christmas. Typically we spend Christmas Eve in Atlanta with his mom and Christmas Day in Aiken with my family. Although it was exciting to share each other's family holiday traditions after we met, it's been just as lovely to develop our own.

Currently: Charlie Brown Christmas

John and I have been lamenting the face that our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree somehow got left behind in Atlanta. Today after work, he surprised me with a tall, thin tree with sparkly lights to make up for it. It's so pretty! We're ready for December. :-)

I love gift-giving. 

I want to make popcorn garlands for our tree. 

Mulled wine would be really nice right now.

xo,

Lauren

Everyone's saying it

via oh joy!

But it's true: I'm so very, very thankful.

John and I are homeowners! We can hardly believe it. We continually marvel at the space we have, and those of you who saw the Cleveland apartment will understand why. Herbie likes having stairs inside! He's also been making beds in the weirdest places, i.e. any box with soft things in it that hasn't been unpacked. It's adorable.

This is the time of year when I think of the Butterball Hotline and the Ping-Pong Table. You should, too.

xo

Lauren

Five Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit

5. Spend two weeks helping your boss perfect the holiday decorations at the Murray Hill Galleries, climbing ladders, standing on old windowsills, and balancing on top of rolling staircases while being wheeled from high arch to high window and back again, in the end loving the Winter Wonderland created...much more than expected.

4. Suggest and convince said boss to order and play Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas, the best holiday album of all time hands down, at work every day.

3. Successfully bake Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving, slightly late but delicious nonetheless, and enjoy. I used this recipe, subbed whiskey and dark brown sugar, left out the orange, and used a dash of vanilla (a few walnuts too). The result was sinful.

2. Cook with apple cider. Do everything with apple cider. Smell apple cider; bathe in apple cider. John and I recommend this Roasted Butternut Squash, which we paired with chicken sausage and cabbage.

1. And finally, give the sweet Boyfriend who grew up loving Charlie Brown the gift you've been excited about for weeks and weeks.

Here we go, lovely friends. It's December!

Happy, happy holidays.