McAlister Christmas 2012

In 11 years of living in Texas, this makes only the second time we haven't gone home to Mississippi for Christmas.  The first being the year Brenna was born and we thought it best not to subject baby Brenna (meaning ourselves) to the extensive travel that usually takes place with a newborn in tow.  Of course, being with our families during this very special time of year makes all the effort totally worth it, especially the enjoyment Brenna gets from seeing everyone!  Unfortunately, that doesn't make the travel any less painful.  Every year involves lots of luggage, plane flights, rental cars, and longs hours of driving back and forth across the state of Mississippi.  I work to keep Brenna occupied and content on the plane and in the car as the miles roll by and worry about luggage weight limits with every gift that's opened.

This year things were alittle different.  With Brenna being in kindergarten now, we're restricted to her school holidays.  This year our Texas school calendar got out later than our Mississippi family and Mississippi schools went back earlier than we did.   Because matching up the calendars proved to be a problem, we settled for the promise of coming home sometime early in the new year.

So, this Christmas has been very different from what we've known in the past.  We had a nice, quiet, and slow paced holiday filled with lots of Christmas fun.

First new thing, my Christmas tree!  I've spent years torturing myself (and Jacob) with my old, limb-by-limb, non-lit tree.  Last year after Christmas my Mom found a great 12-foot, pre-lit, slim-line, pop-up Chistmas tree on clearance for 75% off!!!!  I made my Dad haul it to me all the way from Mississippi!!!  It was totally worth it!  I loved the new tree!  It reached all the way to our second story!  In 10 years of decorating my own Christmas tree, this is my favorite by far!

For the 3rd year in a row, we won Honorable Mention in our neighborhoods Christmas Lights contest!  Last year we switched to LED and added the Santa Train and Snowman.  This year we added more lights to the trees and front door.  Jacob doesn't know it yet, but next year I want to add more lighted decorations.  Who knows, maybe we can actually place next year!

Brenna playing hostess and displaying the Christmas lights!

Our winter break was packed with get-togethers, dinners, playing with friends, Christmas shows, and special fun.  This year our pastor invited Brenna to take part in our churches Christmas Eve service as a candle lighter.  While I was alittle nervous about Brenna handling an open flame (mostly scared she would set her hair on fire), it wasn't as bad as one of the other moms who asked if the building insurance was paid in full!  Brenna was excited and sat happily on the front row through the service.  At the end of each song she would turn to me or Jacob and ask "Is it time yet?"  When the time finally did come, she did a great job!  Luckily, only candles carried the flame, and no one set the church (or their hair) on fire.  

We started Christmas Eve with alittle gift-giving!  Brenna was thrilled to get a Periwinkle costume from Aunt Keli.  She wore it continuously for the next two days.  She even tried to convince Jacob that she should wear it to the church that night.

I can't make my Mother-in-laws Charlet Cake, but I do make a pretty good eclair cake.  So, in preparation for Christmas dinner the next day, Periwinkle and I got started on desert.  By the end, there were no graham crackers or chocolate frosting left.  I'm not sure where it all went........

Finally after church on Christmas Eve, we came back home to make a path for Santa.  Brenna made reindeer food at school this year.  The oats are a snack for the deer and the sparkles help them find their way to our house.  Brenna efficiently sparkled the whole yard tossing handful across the grass to be sure they couldn't miss it!  It must have worked, because Santa didn't miss us!  

Brenna was up bright and early the next morning to discover her loot!  We took our time opening gifts and enjoying the toys until it was time to cook!  My parents came down Christmas day and since this was the first time I've ever had Christmas at my house I wanted dinner to be great.  I tackled Cornish Hen with fresh green beans and black-eyed peas, buttered potatoes and onion, and homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits. It wasn't the most traditional of Christmas dinners, but I didn't hear anyone complain.

The next few days, Jacob and I took advantage of the Mawmaw and Pawpaw babysitting service.  We went to dinner, saw a movie, and even did some shopping.

We've still got more than a week left of our winter break and a few fun activities on the calendar.  I've spent alittle time looking back over this blog for the past year and count my blessing for the beautiful and healthy family that I have.  Looking forward to 2013, we wish everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year.