Holiday Festivities

This holiday season was packed full of festivities! The first weekend of December included a wedding for Charles's coworker in Jasper. Afterwards, we booked it back to catch the second half of the SEC Championship at Shelby and Seth's. We continued the fun on Sunday with a couples shower for Caroline and Jim. We had a great time celebrating the happy couple with some of my favorite coworkers!

The following Thursday, Charles and I had last minute plans to see The Grinch at The Fox thanks to being gifted 2 free tickets! It was so much fun and got us in the holiday spirit. Then, we had our first annual "Chrismukkahkali" at Shelby and Seth's Friday night. We each contributed to the meal, which included tomato and feta crostini for an appetizer and salmon, baked potatoes, green beans, and harvest salad for dinner. Saturday included a birthday celebration for Jenna's 30th. We closed the weekend out with a get together with my tennis team, which included a candle/sock gift exchange, and Trey and Nikita's annual White Elephant party. 

 

The last week of school was very busy getting ready for the break. I had family dinner at the Harper's Wednesday night, which included a Goodwill secret Santa swap. The following day I had my annual brunch with my team at Abbie's. I had her for secret Santa and Michelle had me! That night, Charles and I went over to his house to decorate gingerbread houses with the Sullivans and the Balks. Saturday night wrapped up the holiday plans with Charles's work party at Truist Park!

Charles and I spent our Sunday organizing his room, doing laundry, and cooking a yummy pasta dinner. We headed to Athens the next day, but our plans slightly changed when I tested positive for Covid upon our arrival. We cooped up in the basement together but were luckily able to move more freely once my mom and sister tested positive as well. Sarah and Sam came over on Christmas Eve and we watched Christmas with the Kranks. That night, we went over to their house for our usual soup dinner. She made a yummy kale salad with potato soup and beef stew. We built a fire outside and listened to Silent Night since we had to skip Christmas Eve service! We opened our pjs when we got home and called it a night!

 

We had a slow morning opening presents before Sarah and Sam came over with the kids. Some notable gifts were some tennis outfits, new On Cloud tennis shoes, Northface puffer jacket, Escape Room tickets, and money for a ski trip! Charles gifted me a gift card to the Georgia Club for tennis lessons and money for a Fairchild Baldwin necklace! I gave him a framed Braves World Series newspaper and a Vessel duffle bag (on back order). 

After Christmas brunch, Charles and I drove down to Augusta to spend the rest of the day with his family. We enjoyed a sunny afternoon before having a delicious dinner including turkey, butter beans, and cranberry relish. Afterwards, we opened presents and enjoyed some yummy wine. The next day we celebrated Mr. Walker's birthday! We had leftovers and sandwiches for lunch. Then, we cooked beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes, and a pear and gorgonzola salad for the birthday dinner. 

Although this Christmas looked a little differently, I am so grateful for the time with family and can't wait to see what 2022 has in store!