Christmas 2020
With 2020 being such a depressing year, we started decorating for Christmas as soon as Halloween was over. We tried to decorate as much as we could and enjoy it all as long as possible. Even though COVID has happened, we still managed to stay busy this holiday season. Follow along below!
Melody’s Advent Calendar
This year I didn’t take my daily picture of Melody opening her advent calendar. I didn’t even take a single picture of it after December 1st, ha. But we opted to go with a Barbie themed advent calendar this year. She is obsessed with Barbies, so we found this fitting.
Gingerbread Houses and Ice Cream Cones
Melody picked out a Paw Patrol themed gingerbread house way back before Thanksgiving. I did not intend to do a theme, but she loved it and wanted it. She did the majority of all the decorating. I just put the icing where she asked.
We also made Christmas trees from ice cream cones. I did a whole post about it, but she did enjoy it. It also doubled as sensory play for her.
Nannie’s Dresses
Brad’s mom (we call her Nannie) made all of the girls their Christmas dresses this year. As a surprise, we did a small photo shoot Thanksgiving weekend. My sister in law framed a picture and we gave it to her for Christmas. The dresses were so classic and pretty. I just hate COVID prevented us from wearing it more. Luckily it should still fit next year!
Christmas with the Owens
We celebrated Christmas with Emily and Justin early this year. They had a trip to Opryland planned, and we were traveling to see my in-laws. So we opted to do it on Friday earlier in December. I opted to really decorate the tables up this time. I love hosting parties and events, and this year was lacking in that. For the girls, I used green placemats on Melody’s small table. I found some cute red plates from Target that are not easily breakable. Then I included a red cloth napkin and Melody’s favorite napkin ring, the bell. Each girl also had a place card that I made.
I did the same setup for Dalton but no placemat since he was in a highchair.
For the adults, I used our Christmas light place mats that we use daily during the holiday season. I also used our traditional white plates and silverware. I did include a green cloth napkin with the bell napkin rings. I used our fancy Lenox drinking glasses. And then of course our candy cane place cards.
We did Christmas pajamas, and Melody did try to make it fancy, ha.
We opted for a brunch style meal. I made whole wheat turkey sausage balls, spinach and tomato frittatas, cinnamon swirl muffins, sausage, and pancakes. Then Emily brought fruit and fruit dip. For dessert we had coffee and bread pudding.
After dinner, the girls and Dalton unwrapped presents and played.
Then we took pictures of all the kids in front of the tree.
Christmas with my In-Laws
We visited my in-laws before Christmas this year. On our first night there, Jeff and Rebekah came for dinner along with my nieces. The two oldest girls stayed the night with Melody. They loved it and played so well together. But Melody was exhausted. My nieces are early risers, ha.
The next night the kids got together again. The girls enjoyed playing Candy Land.
The next day we celebrated Christmas. Earlier that day, Brad and Jeff took the older girls to the dog park and let them run around some. Melody seemed to enjoy this.
When they got back we made appetizers for dinner.
Then we spent time socializing. Santa even paid a visit before dinner.
After dinner the kids dug into all of the presents. It was wild for sure.
We spent the next day just visiting and lounging before heading back home to prepare for Christmas at home.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve was a busy one this year. I was prepping things to host my family Christmas night. We baked cookies multiple times. Melody loved helping.
We also did a Christmas craft. Melody painted an ornament.
Then we decorated cookies for Santa. Melody went a little crazy with the sprinkles as you can see.
Our neighborhood gave out bells, and we all went outside at 6 pm and rang them for 2 minutes. It was a lot of fun and we were able to wish our neighbors a Merry Christmas too!
We had our annual Christmas pajama pictures.
We left out cookies, milk, and carrots.
Then we read The Night Before Christmas.
Christmas Morning
Melody was so excited to see what Santa brought her. She went straight for the Dino Tower and totally avoided the bike. But she was still excited. We also opened stockings right up. She loved the candy!
I drank coffee out of my new coffee mug while everyone handed out presents.
We all took turns opening our gifts. We are all so blessed, and Melody had so much fun I think.
After opening up everything, we headed into the kitchen to start up breakfast. We opted for pancakes this year since Melody loves them. I also made up some mimosas for me.
Then we spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon having appetizers and enjoying our presents.
Christmas with my Parents
So Christmas night, my parents came to our house to celebrate Christmas. We wanted to try and not travel this year for the actual holiday to let Melody spend time at home. My parents came over around 3 or so. It was kind of chaos at first just due to the uncertainties of knowing where everyone was due to the lack of AT&T service. But as soon as everyone got to our house, we immediately opened presents. I don’t have a picture of the Polaris that my parents got Melody, but she was super excited about that. Look for pictures in the future December Fun post!
After presents, mom and I cooked dinner. Melody even helped some.
Again, I love to host. So I got out all of my Christmas china and we even ate at the dining room table.
After dinner, we chatted some before my parents had to leave. We did manage to get a few pictures of everyone though.
And my dad surprised both my mom and me with this picture. The picture Melody is holding is of my grandmother. She died when I was in college.
We had such a fun, slightly chaotic Christmas. I am ready to spend the next week relaxing, removing all the Christmas decor, and finding a new home for all of our Christmas presents. Then we prepare for school to start back and eventually my birthday! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas too!
