Christmas morning seems so long ago.

I was determined to enjoy Christmas and the holidays this year.

Sometimes I wish I still believed in Santa. Oh wait, I never did.

Like my mom said to a little boy the other day, “Where we come from there’s no Santa!”

The boy looks let down, almost hurt; my mom continues with a smile as if to reassure him… “But Jesus Christ was born to save us all!”

I had big plans for Christmas morning; the plan was to rise early, make pancakes, and call loved ones in far off places.

I’d then get everyone together for the marathon presents-opening session.

Of course, I couldn’t do all that because I overslept.

Fortunately we had ‘Christmas snacks’ so we no one starved.

The morning was almost over when we finally got together to open presents.

‘Santa’ was quite generous, I opened each present squealing, “Oh my God! This is the best Christmas EVER!”

My mom then reminded me that Christmas isn’t about presents and that it’s about “Jesus, who was born to save us all!”

It was the perfect Christmas morning

Later on in the evening we got dolled up in our beautiful colourful bespoke African wax print outfits.

We went to Surrey to spend the rest of the day with some of our favourite people.

My dress was absolutely adorable, I’ll have to do a special post on it when (or if) the pictures get uploaded.

This was the best Christmas EVER!

It’s the day after Christmas and a dense grey fog blankets the city.

The fog never really left so it was a dark, dreary cold day.

I went for a 7 mile long walk along the seawall to walk off last night’s big dinner.

Yesterday was one of the best Christmases ever!

It was simple, relaxed, and full of joy and laughter – just how I want my Christmases to be from here on.

It’s funny how you spend weeks preparing for the day and it just flies by.

The plan for Boxing Day was to hit a select few stores and have tea at the new place on Georgia when the crowds got too much.

The dark, the quiet and stillness of the fog was so calming and comforting that I opted to stay indoors instead after my walk.

Tomorrow after all IS another day.

The Pogues (with the late Kirsty MacColl)’s song; Fairytale of New York, has for many years been one of my favourite Christmas songs.

It’s been playing on repeat for while now as we wrap our final presents, and prepare to leave for candlelight service.

Merry Christmas everyone…

I can see a better time
Where all our dreams come true

I’m not done Christmas shopping yet; I like the thrill of last minute shopping.

Our tree on the other hand went up the morning of December 6th, afterwards we went to the Santa Claus Parade and then to the ice rink.

I think a new tradition has been born.

Last weekend we drove to Bellingham to pick up my mom’s present, and today’s my last day at work for the year.

It doesn’t look like we’ll get snow this Christmas; it doesn’t look like it’ll be raining either – so we can’t really complain.

I’m looking forward to Christmas Eve, to carolling… to dinner, to last minute gift wrapping and the glittering lights.

For now, here’s a quick outfit post;

I think it has a holiday feel to it, even though I wore it months ago.

Wearing:

Dress – Joe Fresh Style (worn below)
White Shirt – Jacob
Belt – Joe Fresh Style
Tights – Target
Boots – Bravo Browns

The dress was one of my favourite finds of the year, I wore it throughout the summer too.

It’s simple and versatile.

The holidays are undeniable upon us. It’s my favourite time of the year.

Yes, I’m one of those people who absolutely LOVE Christmas!

People get depressed around the holidays; I get depressed when the holidays are over.

What’s not to love? It’s a holiday about family, peace, lights, twinkles and presents,

sprinkled with the underlying themes of salvation and new beginnings.

Last year we had a white Christmas, we celebrated the holidays cautiously, determined to have a good time regardless.

We spent a good chunk of Christmas day at the chemo unit at the BC Cancer Agency.

We managed to salvage what was left of the day and made a great day of it.

This Christmas I’m looking forward to sleeping in, opening presents, good food, spending time with family and friends and peace of mind.

I’m also looking forward to catching up with friends and family all around the world, I’ve always loved that about the holidays.