Happy holidays to one and all!

Each year, the family tries to uphold certain Christmas traditions which makes it a much-looked forward to occasion among the kids. In the past, we’ve either spent it in a hotel or out of town. This year being meaningful enough, we’ve chosen to spend it at home. Meaningful because it’s the first Christmas I’d spend with Mr. Z (since knowing each other in 2007) and it’s his first time as well with the kids. We certainly left no stone unturned in loading the house with gifts, food and laughter.

I started Christmas Eve on a high note, with a list of dishes for the noche buena. The only problem was my energy would taper off later in the day. Still, I was glad to finish my main course beef dish (tender-cooked beef mechado, simmered for four hours or so), the mac and cheese, and favorite chicken-potato fruit salad. The rest of the feast was store-bought, like the cookies and cream cake from Red Ribbon, the CDO whole cooked ham, the dinner rolls and some sweets from Dunkin’ Donuts.As they say, don’t sweat the small stuff, even during Christmas 😀

The gift-opening session was an exciting time, especially as there were lots of gifts to open. I appreciated even the minor ones given me by my officemates. The Boy got his usual computer games, and the twins happily opened their tent playhouse and Baby Alive dolls, with Mr. Z wondering all along why they’d want faux toys that poop and drool when a real one is on the way. Hubby got his Game Addict tee with some more branded ones from Lacoste and Gap, while I silently squealed in delight at the brand-new Tiffany bracelet he gave moi. After our wedding and engagement rings, this is my third Tiffany so far and it’s precious 😉

Now, Christmas Day finds me surfing in bed all day and tirelessly munching on last night’s left-overs. Somehow I get to think of how different Christmas will be again next year with the welcome addition of our baby in the house. It pays to be always hopeful of the unexpected,always believing in the Good Lord to bring us blessings each time.

Thank you for reading this blog since 2004. We hope your Christmas was merry and bright as well, and here’s hoping 2010 will be a more peaceful, bountiful one for us all!