January 4, 2016

Christmas 2015

How is it that I am summarizing Christmas? And is that even remotely possible? How can I possibly wrap all those magical emotions and moments..all the anticipation, excitement, joy, and nostalgia into words and pictures. I can't. Christmas is way beyond that. Those memories are stored deep in my soul, and I can pull them out whenever I need. But in the interest of preservation, I will attempt to put here our memories of Christmas 2015...


Christmas Eve began with waaay too warm weather and a festive breakfast of cinnamon rolls and muffins.

We spent the day tracking Santa on Norad, preparing dinner, visiting with friends, and saying Goodbye to Flynn's favorite little elf, Zip.

Soon it was time for Mass, and our annual Christmas Eve picture in front of the fireplace...

and this year we had an extra member! Nicolas spent Christmas with us and enjoyed every moment. : )


Madison was thrilled they spent their first Christmas together...

and my little lady was too. He is the BEST hide and seek player ever!

I will wear dresses with smocking on her as long as she will let me.
and then, when she won't...I will cry. And yes, I'm serious.


After a beautiful Mass, we came home, spread reindeer food on the front lawn, and had dessert.

Another tradition! The" In Christmas jammies leaving cookies for Santa" photo!

One last goodbye to her Zip...then off to bed with dreams of Christmas Joy!

Christmas morning came quickly... and we posed for the top of the stairs photo before heading down on the most exciting day of the year!

This one...just so I can remember what it is like to have a little who holds that special Christmas magic in her heart. Those years pass way too quickly...

Stockings were first...then we enjoyed a Christmas breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee cake, and doughnuts.

Finally...it was off to see what Santa had left!
My baby was happy!

And I am in love with her new dollhouse! It has doors. That close. To hide all that is inside. : )


Rhett was happy with the additions to his Funko Pop collection...

Peyton received lots of books and games...

and my Madison got some books and beautiful teapots to add to her collection.

Santa even left a few gifts for Nicolas too!

One of my favorite moments of the day...Rhett reading Flynn her special book that Zip the Elf left her along with his special reindeer for her to look after all year long.

The rest of the day was spent in our jammies...playing...napping...snacking...and just being. Being together on the most beautiful, blessed day of the year.


Christmas comes and then, just as quickly, it goes. It is up to us to keep that magic in our hearts long after the presents have been opened, the cookies eaten, and the presents put away. Soon enough it is all a memory, but if we try, we can revisit those magical moments anytime simply by looking into our hearts. : ) 














21 comments:

  1. Good morning Billie Jo,

    Yes, that was a beautiful story of your Christmas activities and memories. Thank you for Sharing it.

    I always enjoy my little visits with you.
    ♥Hope

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  2. Awesome, smiling. Yes, indeed, friend, it was way to warm--was is the word though...bitter cold (-2*) and 6-7 inches of snow on the ground now (did y'all get any weekend snow in your part of PA?).

    Thank you for sharing...many, many smiles here. Many Blessings to you.

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  3. So enjoyed your 'Christmas' and pray your New Year is exactly what you want it to be?

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  4. It sure looks like a wonderful Christmas! I love seeing all your pictures of the family. We spent many days here in our pj's. Now today we are back to reality. But like you said, the memories stay in our hearts.
    Happy New Year to all of you there!

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  5. What a wonderful Christmas! I am glad it was so great!

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  6. What a picture perfect Christmas!!!! Happy New Year!!

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  7. Idyllic, sounds like an amazing Christmas...as it should be! Best wishes for 2016 to you and yours.

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  8. So glad to hear how your day went. What a magical time of the year, isn't it? Happy New Year to you and your family :)

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  9. What a lovely family Christmas! I love how you all received lots of books. Thanks for sharing your memories of Christmas.

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  10. What a wonderful time you had! So glad for you! xx

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  11. Billy Jo, wow! Santa was very generous at your house. Your children must have been very good last year! :-)

    Love all the pictures!

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  12. Billy Jo thanks for keeping Christ in Christmas! Most folks don't talk about their faith even if they have any. Happy Epiphany! Wisemen still seek Him…
    Someone said you are in PA. Where? My dad grew up near Bradford. I live in Wisconsin.
    I do think I have the same taste in gifts as Madison. LOL
    Happy New Year too!

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  13. Every year it amazes me, Billie Jo, how with all the preparations we make for weeks or even months in advance, it all goes so very quickly when the day comes. It looks like you've made and shared some lovely memories. We really must buy a new camera to take photos for our family. I dropped ours last summer, and it was broken.

    Have a wonderful week!

    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  14. What a lovely Christmas! I felt the anticipation of my own childhood Christmases while enjoying these photos!
    That doll house looks like so much fun! :)
    Have a great day!

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  15. What a great Christmas, look at all those presents Santa left! You guys were truly blessed. Only one year until next Christmas ;)

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  16. Such treasured memories recorded dear Gal. It always does go far too fast! Thanks for sharing - so fun to peek into your traditions. ;)

    Blessings on the rest of your week. Dealing with some health concerns I hope will resolve soon, so may be taking it easy blogging much this week.
    Xoxo

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  17. Hello Billie-Jo! I loved reading all your special Christmas memories and seeing all the treasures within your home. What a blessing!
    I hope you have a wonderfully blessed New Year!

    Thank you so much for leaving me a comment on my blog. It's so nice to meet new blogging friends!

    Enjoy your week!
    Blessings, Amy

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  18. So happy you had such a nice Christmas Billie Jo! I love the "Christmas jammies" picture! And guess what? Our elf's name is Zip too! And John didn't want to say goodbye to him. We are sure he'll be back next year! LOL Wonderful memories. Wonderful family ♥♥♥

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  19. Oh Billie no what wonderful pictures!! I feel like I did not do great taking pictures this year, but I do have the memories!
    I too can't believe that it is all over!

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  20. Those pictures are just few but I says alot of wonderful memories.

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  21. So beautiful. I love seeing your Christmas posts. This one this year made me so happy. Love that Nicolas was there for Madison, love that you still have a little one with smocking dresses and princess Christmas mornings, love that your table is filled with love. Just love your family!

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo