Christmas Traditions

Here's a little glimpse into my family's Christmas traditions. 

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Both pictures are a bit blurry, but they're taken on the same porch. We've been Christmas Caroling as a group for over 20 years now! Its one of my favorite Christmas traditions. 

This house belongs to Dr. & Mrs. Weaver. 

She decorates for every season! Even the inside looks like the North Pole. I think her house is the reason I want a wrap-around front porch one day. They are such an adorable couple. Every Sunday they wear matching outfits. He spoils her and she adores him. Please notice the Christmas Mickey & Minnie in the corner. The Weavers' house is just dreamy. 

This is my first ever BFF, Emily. I really take all my fashion tips from here! 

 They are so cute!!! 

 Lyle's first time Caroling! We always end up at my grandparents' house. This year was harder than the past 5 years because Big Buddy was no longer with us. I didn't make it through one verse before crying. I miss him a lot. Manaw loves Lyle and steals him as much as she can! 

"Christmas Eve" with The Walkers! 

Its been a few years since we've had Christmas at our house because BB was sick, so it was nice to celebrate at our new house. 

First: Lunch with Em

Middle: a little warmer for Caroling

Last: Christmas with The Walkers

I can't stop wearing my dad's navy sweater - necklace & flats, scarves & booties - its so "comfy"!

I've been wearing my scarves full like this because I can't always handle it bunched around my neck. I also like that it gives a long lean look. 

 Christmas Eve Breakfast

Another one of my favorite traditions is breakfast at Cracker Barrel on Christmas Eve. We all know its happening so we know that if we're in town we'll be there. With a good bit of our crew married and living elsewhere, they come when they can. 

We always have a picture in front of the fireplace. Look at those sweet little babies! 

On Christmas Eve night my parents always exchange presents, and now we kids do too. 

I love wrapping my presents in all the same paper, but this year I chose 3 patterns that coordinated. Since I was traveling, I didn't use bows. I loved how these turned out! 

Christmas Day in Athens

They're engaged!!! Ginny & I are only 1 month & 2 days apart. I am so excited for my cousin!! Apparently I started "ugly crying" so I quickly stopped, but I was just so happy! 

Our sweet Maddie turned 10! She is definitely her own person and holds here own against her 4 older brothers or 14 older cousins/cousins-in-law! Still can't believe she's 10. There are no girls between Ginny and Maddie - we waited 14 years for another girl and couldn't have a better one!

Christmas Day & Day After 

Can't stop wearing my new LOFT jeans (destructed jeans in curvy skinny and curvy super skinny in rinse wash) &  Lucky Boots.** 

I've gotten so many compliments on these boots. They have an outside diagonal zipper which makes them a little unique! My roommate J helped me pick them out. I sent mom the link for the wide-calf boots by accident, but I actually needed the wide-calf ones. J tried on the regular, and it looked wide-calf on her. So definitely try your boots on before ordering them! 

**They're only available in black now, but they are called Lucky Brand Heston Boots or Heston2 boots for wide-calf. 

Dad brought Mom & I breakfast in bed...and included hot chocolate for my coffee! He is the best!

 This is really grainy, but we have a family tradition of bowling, every time we're together. Money gets passed around, and the uncles get beat by the nephews! Its a lot of fun!

 We've been doing it probably since 1998. 

Christmas is seriously one of my favorite times of the year!! Really any time I can spend with family & friends is my favorite time.