December 24

I'm not really sure how we're already to Christmas Eve (because didn't we just have Thanksgiving dinner?) but here we are.

It was a low-key day. Adam brought me an oat milk peppermint mocha this morning (since I'd only had one up til this point and they just don't hit the same after Christmas) and then made a pair of appetizers --cheese puffs reminiscent of a favorite by his late grandmother and bacon-wrapped green beans-- for later in the day. I braved the grocery store --which actually wasn't as scary as I expected-- in search of some cheese and crackers for tomorrow morning.

Then late in the afternoon, we drove up to Walnut Creek to hang out with Adam's brother's family. We chit-chatted and enjoyed a salmon dinner and yule log cake and then opened gifts. It was the first time we'd done Christmas Eve at their house, and it was a blessing to have the time with the five of them.

Then we came home and hung up our stockings by the fireplace in the living room. And now we're watching "It's a Wonderful Life" while we wait for Santa to come by.

I know I say this often, but I'm grateful for time with family and for the traditions we share.