snapshots {christmas 2013}.

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I hope you all had an amazing Christmas!

I didn’t capture most of the day because I was trying to just spend time with my family, but here are a few glimpses :)

All dressed up for Christmas Eve service.

(and blue eye problems)

All black + some pops of color.

Gotta have a fire going! Even if it’s a fake one ;)

Christmas morning baking. Original CBB’s + red and green M&Ms + sprinkles.

Cream cheese frosting for Preacher’s Cake (which was a huge hit!).

Black + gold + New York. Insert googly-eyed emoji.

So much going on in this picture.

My cousin Joelle. I wish I got the pajamas memo.

Such a cute gift idea! Brownies In A Jar from my Aunt Wendy.

This year’s new addition to our crew (not mine!) – Lulu :)

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What was the highlight of your Christmas? Any favorite gift(s)?

holiday bucket list.

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Is anyone else EXTRA giddy about the holidays this year?!

No matter how old I get, the holidays are still such a magical time. I love it all – the decorations, the shopping, the music, the movies, and most of all spending time with the people I love. If the holidays are anything like the rest of this year, though, they’re (unfortunately) going to fly by.

So in an attempt to enjoy the rest of this year as much as possible, here’s my holiday bucket list.

* watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade

* decorate our apartment

* bake as many Christmas cookies as possible

* listen to the “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Pandora station

* enjoy Aunt Wendy’s famous Pumpkin Crunch Cake on Thanksgiving

* watch all my favorite Christmas movies: Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday, The Santa Clause, etc.

* not wait until the last minute to get gifts

* …but still do the traditional last minute trip to the mall with dad

* skip Black Friday to decorate the house with mom

* DIY at least one gift

* get a new Christmas album (any suggestions??)

* have a cozy holiday dinner with my roommates

* visit Chrissy and Nicole (and baby Owen!) while home for Thanksgiving

* have my parents visit NYC before Christmas

* holidate with Erica and Amanda

* take lots of photos

* walk around the “Christmas-y” parts of the city – Rockefeller, 5th Ave, etc.

* have a FreelyBe holiday party

* eat candy canes and drink lots of hot cocoa

* communion at church on Thanksgiving Eve

* go to PA for our office Christmas party

* kiss someone under the mistletoe

* wear a cheesy Christmas sweater

* ice skating in Bryant or Central Park (I never have!)

* get a picture sitting on Santa’s lap

* donate toys and to a food pantry

* spend real quality time with my family

* drive through a Christmas light show

* get dressed up for holiday parties

* go off the grid/unplug with I’m with my family and friends

* reflect on the past year and make goals for the year ahead

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What’s on your holiday bucket list this year?