Happy Holidays from the Kenistons

I freely admit Christmas is not my favorite time of year. I’m more of a Thanksgiving girl. I love having extended family together and the only real effort is the day of cooking – even though cooking is not really my thing! I much prefer the focus on family togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving without the stress of gift giving –well- it’s not the giving I find stressful, it’s the shopping for that perfect gift for everyone.
 
This year however, was blissfully stress free. Throughout the year as I noticed things either in stores or online that I thought someone I loved would enjoy – I bought it. Instead of a mad dash to shop the week before Christmas, I actually had everything I needed for everyone! Though I did have to run out and replace my son-in-laws candle (yes he likes candles) for a different scent after my daughter nixed the one I’d bought- but that wasn’t difficult at all. I rather enjoyed bringing a little last minute shopping to a small candle shop – all his goods are made from scratch (soy and cotton wicks with no soot) on site and they smell fabulous and last forever! When the first of my new series are out of the way – I’m hoping to gather some friends for a candle making party!
 
Another change is last year I bought a smaller tree on deep sale after the holidays so we set up two trees. I also picked up some Father Christmas pieces at an estate sale and I feel it added to the festive and yet traditional moods of the season.  My goal for this year is to have personalized stockings made for the grandkids as next year my grandson will be old enough to appreciate the season! 

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 ​Historically my family has always celebrated Christmas Eve so that means two dinners in our family, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and both went off without a hitch. The evenings were peaceful, the conversation was pleasant, and smiles abounded with everyone I love. Even more fun for me is that I have a first cousin in my Dad’s side of the family who has moved to Texas and she and her husband came over early to make us breakfast (she likes to cook) THAT was a true gift for me as every year I do a nice Christmas breakfast but I’m not really a morning person so having someone else take over was loverly ! (My hubby is missing - he was still making coffee!) 

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​Another thing I have always enjoyed doing is working on puzzles. It’s an interest I share with my son-in-law and cousin and seem to be passing on to my grandson (lol). Having puzzle in the works is always a fun pass time. Especially this year as we have a new fantastic puzzle table courtesy of one of my dearest friends downsizing!  This is looking to be a two puzzle Christmas (well, I cheat and get the ones with the bigger pieces so I don’t need a magnifying glass LOL) 

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​Now we wait for the New Year to ring in – I am very much looking forward to 2022 – I like the number and am expecting big things for everyone!
 
Do you have any favorite traditions this time of year?