The Holidays

The holidays were a wondrous and low-key affair on our little island. Much food was eaten, many presents were given and received, and quality time was spent as a family.

First, let's rewind to last week...We went on a tree hunting mission at a friend's farm on the east side of the island.  It was a windy day, which made for a quick and rather uneventful tree hunt.  Previously, the weather has been mild, but for a few days around Christmas the wind howled and caused a dip in the air temperature. Because of this, we quickly settled on a very pretty pine, which has turned our house into a giant, festive pine-scented candle.

Then, on Christmas Eve, insane windstorms ravaged the island and left us without power, and our power and internet continued to flicker in and out over the coming days. Rumors of 20+ foot waves on Lake Michigan have been circulating.  It was that windy. Trees were down on the roads, which essentially blocked us into our house for a short time.  We didn't mind one bit though.  It gave us the perfect excuse to stay in our pajamas and not leave the house for the two days of Christmas.  It was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the holidays.

To pass the time (and have little fun), we did a ton of cooking over the holiday.  As a tradition, Cody and I like to cook "breakfast for dinner" on Christmas Eve.  This year we did homemade waffles, eggs, and fakin' bacon. We got extra lucky because a family from the school gifted us with homemade maple syrup.  Then, on Christmas Day we made big salads and individual pot pies.  We do a lot of "individual" food dishes in our house because it allows us to make one option meat-free and one option meat-y.

The few days following the holiday have brought us relaxation, projects around the house, and hiking. Other than the windstorms, it wasn't too chilly during Christmas week, so we've been trying to get outside and enjoy ourselves.  I know that this oddly warm winter can't last forever and it makes the dogs happy to frolic in the semi-warm weather.

All in all, it was a beautiful holiday. We took part in some of our old family traditions, and then we started a few new ones.  The weather was unpredictable, which allowed us to get out and enjoy ourselves one day and trapped us without power the next.  It was a great balance and kept us on our toes.

Your turn...What were your holiday highlights this year?
Currently listening to...White Christmas - Bing Crosby