Happy week after Christmas everybody!!!
Before we get into today’s post I just have to share this picture of my favorite blonde at Christmas.
Isn’t this picture the sweetest?! Every year my uncle dresses up as Santa and this year he came to visit Azora, she loved him. This is quite the improvement from when Azora first met Santa at the pet store a few years ago and peed on him, fun times. My Mom sent me this picture and it was the best way to wake up on Christmas morning!
Even though Christmas is over the Viking and I are still in Christmas holiday mode thanks to our long break from work, and I must say I am excelling at doing as little as possible. From sleeping in like I am a teenager to dinner parties I could easily get used to my current daily routine.
Sometimes you just need to give yourself a break, and I mean a complete break. I have hardly opened my computer and it has been so nice to unplug. I have already read three books, had coffee dates with friends, and caught up my friends back in Oregon. This holiday break has been the perfect way to recharge my batteries and get ready to tackle 2016.
Before I get back to holiday mode lets get caught up with what I have been up to lately. This past week I have….
// Decorated a massive Christmas tree
Okay, so maybe not the largest Christmas tree I have ever seen, but inside my tiny apartment it certainly takes its space. This is what happens when you don’t supervise two boys off picking up Christmas trees at the last minute.
H and I weren’t even going to get a Christmas tree this year (read: our apartment is tiny!) but when the 23rd rolled and the Viking’s brother was off to pick up a tree I sent H with him too, I needed a real tree. And so that is how I ended up with a gigantic Christmas tree taking over my living room, it sure does smell lovely though!
I look totally disgusted with out tree in this picture, ha, but really I swear I love it, large branches and all.
// Made pesto with the Viking for Christmas gifts
After making pesto for our 24 Days of Togetherness H and I got the idea to make a big batch to give as Christmas gifts. H took this idea to the next level by designing labels and making gift baskets for everyone. Leave it to my Viking to get crafty. Even though I am not the biggest fan of craft time it was a lot of fun making these gifts and the pesto was a big hit.
// Celebrated Christmas Eve with H’s family
The 24th is the main day of Christmas celebration in Iceland starting with a Christmas dinner at 6pm. For our Christmas Eve dinner we joined H’s family for a nice evening of delicious food and presents.
Just preparing to tackle the Christmas meal
Twinning
// Watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky on Christmas Eve
As we made the drive home on Christmas Eve I looked up to find the Northern Lights putting on a Christmas show. They were so beautiful and I am always amazed that I live somewhere that gets to enjoy the Northern Lights. I didn’t take any pictures of the lights, so just pretend this beautiful tree I also saw on the way home is the Northern Lights:)
// Celebrated Christmas morning with my American traditions
The Viking and I decided to combine our two cultures and our Christmas traditions this year. So while the 24th was all about celebrating an Icelandic Christmas the 25th was all about my American traditions. We opened Christmas stockings, had a Christmas brunch with french toast casserole and mimosas, opened gifts in our pjs and skyped with my family. It was such a great Christmas and thanks to my Viking I didn’t miss out on any of my family’s traditions.
// Went on a chilly Christmas walk
After spending most of the morning eating the Viking and I figured we should leave the house and move around a bit. It was well below freezing on Christmas but we bundled up and braved the cold.
Ice sculptures downtown had no worries about melting
I have to admit, after having a rough Thanksgiving this year (aka I cried all day at work, homesickness is tough!) I was a bit worried for how I would feel during Christmas. Getting to enjoy my favorite Christmas traditions in Iceland and hanging out with my family while they prepared Christmas dinner on Skype really helped keep all those homesick feeling away. This Christmas was lovely and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well.
Now to prepare for New Years Eve fun!
Question of the Day?
How was your Christmas? What are your NYE plans?
