We knew we wanted to spend Christmas day at home, just the three of us. I was a little nervous that we’d be bored, it wouldn’t “feel like” Christmas, or my holiday dinner would turn out awful.

As it turned out, this was the best Christmas yet- and it had nothing to do with the gifts or the food.

I definitely teared up on Christmas Eve, wrapping gifts and lovingly placing them under the tree, on the very same tree skirt that my parents used when I was little.

Our tree was somewhat bare this year (with a toddler and a puppy, I just didn’t want to undergo the hassle of trying to keep ornaments on it), but its glow was perfectly magical.
Kaya came into the living room on Christmas morning and couldn’t stop staring at the tree. She happily squealed when ripping the paper off her gifts. Her big surprise was a play kitchen! She immediately answered the phone… Kaya gave her daddy a remote-control helicopter just like Grandpa’s!

I think she likes it even more than Michael does… as evidenced by this kiss!Jax had a whole stocking full of treats. We gave him a big ole bone that he ate in probably under two minutes!
We had a simple, festive breakfast (m&ms for noses and buttons, mini chocolate chips for eyes and a smile)!
Powdery lips 🙂 I made pot roast in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and my mom-in-law’s famous rolls. Photo-bomber.

I was so worried about ruining our Christmas dinner, so I was surprised when everything tasted amazing. It might have been the most delicious meal ever, actually. (Kaya used her broccoli to eat her potatoes…)

It was the perfect Christmas. So much food, so much fun, and so much love.