Well I have to say that my first time hosting a major holiday turned out even better than I thought it would. All the food was perfect, there were plenty of beds for everyone, and though I spent the holiday very busy, I've never enjoyed myself more. I have 8 people spend the night and cooked for a total of 12 for the actual meal on Thanksgiving day. It was so much fun. I am hoping to possibly host the holiday every year. We'll see. :-)
We had put up most of our Christmas decor up before everyone had arrived, but saved putting the tree up to do with everyone. So the day after thanksgiving, Josh loaded up the car with all the guys and they went out to pick out a tree. Then once they got it in the house, everyone got to decorate it together. It was a really nice way to end the day. We had family stay with us until that Sunday morning. Then that afternoon one of my old college roommates and very dear friends came to visit Josh and I before she moved back to New Jersey. It was a great visit and was a nice cap to the whirlwind week.
The few weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas are a bit of a blur for me. I spent the majority of them working a lot of overtime. Wasn't exactly conducive to prepping and enjoying the holiday season, we weren't even able to throw a Christmas party this year to not having time to plan one. So that was a bit of a disappointment. However, it was soon lifted as we spent Christmas with Josh's parents again this year. Both Josh and I took vacation time and don't go back to work until Jan3rd. Which gives us a much needed break. Its been nice being with family and getting to see our nephew. And of course, the puppies are thrilled as they very much enjoy getting to go to Josh's parents house. They are lavished with toys, playtime, and get to sleep with Josh and I in a king size bed. So they are very spoiled during these trips. lol. But its still pretty relaxing. I always tell Josh that our trips to Marianna are like getting to take a deep breath finally and holds such a comfortable feeling of hominess. Coming home to visit family and the people in our church up here is so refreshing. Between time spent with our family up here and also with dear friends, we stay pretty busy, but a relaxed sort of busy filled with laughter, good memories, and joy. It's definately needed after the past few weeks of work craziness.
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!:-)
