Christmas Day at our House

I hope everyone had a great Christmas… I can’t believe another one is in the books!

These days Christmas morning starts a lot later than it use to.  In fact, this year my parents had to come wake us up…. at 8:30. It may not seem very late to some, but we are early risers in this household and on Christmas we used to wake up at 5 am… Only to be sent back to bed multiple times until it was an acceptable hour to open presents.

One of my favorite stocking stuffers was a candy thermometer! Nope not that scarf… or those earrings… the candy thermometer won out!

Another favorite gift was our “My life at…” books… they alway are! Every year my mom makes a photo book of our life over the past year and we always love looking at them on Christmas morning.

Someone was worn out from all those presents.

After presents my Grandma and Grandpa came over for brunch… My mom and I made cinnamon rolls, hash brown casserole, fruit and eggs. This breakfast menu is a tradition and we have it every year, but somehow it tastes even better each time I have it.

 I have to say though, the cinnamon rolls were my favorite. I’m sharing the secret recipe tomorrow… it took me a couple of years to decide to share it because it’s TOP secret. But I want everyone to be able to enjoy this heavenly indulgence.

We were fueled by Hot Chocolate.

Then we headed over to my Aunt and Uncle’s house to open presents and spend time with my dad’s side of the family.

As well as play the second annual Uncles vs. cousins basketball game.

This basketball game was taken to a new level this year… my dad went out and got seat-bands and jerseys for him and his brothers. Crazy boys!

The big guys beat the little guys, 14 to 11.

Present time!

Then we hurried home to get dinner ready and get cleaned up before the Ercelebi’s came over.

For an appetizer, I made Honey-Nut Baked Brie.

For dinner we had Beef Tenderloin, Mac and Cheese, salad and rolls from the bakery.

We spent the rest of the night playing some minute to win it game, just hanging out, and enjoying each other.

We had a family vs. family Christmas Games Tournament… I’m ashamed to report back that our family lost! Haha! Better luck next year? Ahmet took the win in face the cookie… slow and steady wins the race!

Christmas Taboo

And Partner-Gift Wrapping…. it’s similar to a three legged race except your arms are tied together and you have to wrap a present.

For dessert we had brownie sundaes.

We ended the night with one last Christmas movie of the season…

I hope your day was as merry and bright and as full of laughter as ours was. 🙂