It was a Very Merry Christmas

Todd & I started our Christmas celebration by driving up to Todd's hometown Christmas Eve morning. We arrived at his parent's shortly after noon and spent the afternoon helping his mom & sister get ready for the big Christmas Eve dinner that night. We also took some time relaxing on the couch which was fantastic since this was my only day off from work for both Christmas & New Year's. I might be slightly jealous of Todd because he gets off work from December 24-January 4.

Todd & I went to Christmas Eve mass with his parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew before coming back to a full house of over 30 people. Similar to last year, we had to eat dinner in 3 shifts and awaited Santa's arrival.

Todd & I dressed up before church
Santa came!

Todd's nephew, Andrew, telling Santa want he wanted for Christmas

Todd was actually the one dressed up as Santa so after the little ones sat on Santa's lap, I was lucky enough to sit on his lap too. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it.

After Santa left, we had our annual $5 gift exchange. Everyone got 3 cards from a deck of cards and then someone had another deck and called out the numbers & suits. When your card was called, you were able to either pick a present from the pile or steal someone else's present. You had 3 opportunities to get a present. Some people ended up with some great presents and others not so much. I was pleasantly surprised with what I ended up with.

Two flashflights (which I need because I don't actually have one!) and a camping fork & knife that Todd was excited about

Todd's cousin also gave Todd a killer present.....a dicky & Marty the Moose eggnog mug from Christmas Vacation

We didn't go to bed until after 1:00 AM on Christmas Eve so we were able to sleep in a little bit on Christmas morning before Todd's sister, brother-in-law, and nephew came over so we could open presents. Once they came over, Andrew tore into the presents while we opened our presents as well. Todd & I received lots of fantastic presents from his family and his family was equally happy with what they received. I was very excited about my gorgeous new jewelry box I got. Todd & I left around noon so we could drive 3 hours back to Columbus to spend the afternoon & evening with my parents.

Todd & I in our onesie footies my brother gave us

Gorgeous Christmas tree at Todd's parent's house

Todd loves Chihuly so his sister got him this awesome decorate piece from Corning similar to Chihuly

We arrived at my parent's around 4:00 PM and after chitchatting for a bit, we ate a delicious Christmas dinner and then opened presents. Todd & I were felt very spoiled by both of our parents and couldn't believe all the great stuff we received. I might have even been excited about a textbook I received for a certification test I plan to take next year.

Santa tree with presents from Santa under the tree (presents for Todd & I)

Family tree with presents (my Mom & Dad's presents)

Our stockings (my brother didn't come home but his stocking was still up, Todd's stocking was a new addition last year so that's why his looks different)

Todd & I

Todd & my Dad enjoying a beer with their Christmas beer toppers (a reindeer & a Santa hat)

Todd & I got these great ornaments for our Christmas tree next year....the snowmen have our names on them and the ornament on the right is from the cruise ship we got engaged on in September

Todd & I got back to my apartment around 9:00 PM and opened our presents to each other. Not only did Todd buy me a night stand that matches the one he has, but I also got a heart rate monitor and velcro wrist straps for my garmin! I was super pumped!

All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas and more than I could have ever hoped for!