Christmas 2010

I have to say, this Christmas was really lovely. Everyone genuinely seemed in the spirit, happy, and low-key all at the same time. WARNING: Photo heavy post to follow.

Freddy and I spend Christmas Eve with his family. They host a delicious fish dinner and we all exchange presents (which this year were especially well-thought out). We dress up for dinner and then switch into comfy PJs for our gift exchange.

I love my in-laws's tree. It's decked out with vintage treasured ornaments and ones collected through the years scattered with gold and red accents.

Freddy and I with the tree (yes, we select our Christmasy outfits very carefully):

Us kids (Freddy and I with his sister, Lauren):

Lauren gifted her mom and I with these awesome handmade mittens fashioned from vintage sweaters. When we say warm, we mean warm.

Christmas morning Freddy and I started with stockings (and A Christmas Story playing all day in the background).

Freddy got a warm bathrobe

And I was clearly shocked by my gift

 It's the teapot to match my china pattern (of which I have two settings). I seriously love the pattern (Wedgewood Oberon), but don't have much of it. Freddy went to Macy's and found a salesperson who helped him order it. Knowing how much I love tea and my china, it was a perfect choice.

That afternoon we celebrated with my family - 26 of us spent the day laughing, playing some dance game on Wii, and even had the chance to carol together.

A very special gift this year was each of us granddaughters receiving a teacup and saucer from my late grandmother. My aunt (pictured in black) selected and washed each one for us. When I say touchingly sentimental Christmas, I really mean it this year.

I'm really enjoying reading all your Christmas recaps. Happy to see they were all wonderful celebrations!

It was a Merry 2010.