On Christmas Eve, I finally fully decorated the tree- the tree we cut down ourselves. Pine cones, dehydrated citrus, burgundy burlap, a wreath-like rawhide and a guilty-pleasure hat I bought for Julep (to which the Rustbelt Farmer responded emphatically, “she can’t wear that in public”).

Perhaps I’ll turn this utter display of last-minuteness into a holiday tradition: hot cocoa, ribbon, *NSync’s Christmas album and then a trip to the farmer’s family for salty ham, stuffed hot peppers, wine and nostalgia. Procrastination parading as tradition- that seems justified, right?

Even though I was up really really late putting the final touches on gifts (are you sensing a procrastination theme yet?), the Christmas day snow sent a Griswold level of bright light into the bedroom, so we were up and at ’em relatively early. Julep was ready for two things: a snowy hike and presents. Fortunately, we delivered both.

I typically cram yeasted baked goods into the Christmas and New Year’s Eve lineups, like this festive monkey bread. Even though my decorating and wrapping schedules would indicate otherwise, I was aiming for less stress this year. For breakfast, I erred on the side of a simple, yet festive: fresh-squeezed OJ & bubbly (because special days call for bubbles) and breakfast sammies with farm-fresh bacon and eggs. 

Can you believe this was the first time Julep has ever opened a present? She’s had entire birthday cakes but never a wrapped present. When that plaid paper revealed a stuffed mallard, she jumped five feet into the air! 

And then the #puglife chose her…

Technically, the pug life v-neck chose me, but Julep made it look so sweet. 

After presents, finishing touches on a dessert and sufficient lazing, we bundled up and joined the family for more festivities including a prime rib that fed everyone for days. It was all so cozy, I’m not quite ready to admit Christmas has passed. What about you? What did you bake/gift/receive? 

Here’s to hiding under the blankets, watching the snowfall and eating cookies for a bit longer!

Cheers,