on Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve 2011 at home. It was just our family; the four of us. 

At first it felt oddly quiet. Since we've been married, Patrick and I -- and then the boys -- have been spending Christmas Eve with our big extended Hogan family. And I've had years and years of Christmas Eve's with them growing up. The warmth, chaos, laughter, family, authentic Italian cooking and fun are always part of what make the day special. 

 

We missed it as we gathered around our table to celebrate. But it was also special being together, the four of us. There's something to be said for starting traditions, creating something new.

Toasting to Christmas, Jesus' birth, family and the year of 2011. We ate and shared our highs and lows from the year .

Celebrating the birth of a baby two thousand years ago.

Dressing with shirts tucked in on a Saturday afternoon. Leaving for church in the crisp night.

We ended the night donning soft new striped pjs, and sprinkling food for the reindeer in the grass in our bare feet. I felt perfectly content when I tucked the boys in and watched their eyes sparkle with thoughts from the day and the anticipation of the one to come.