Merry Christmas, friends! After the celebrations have wound down, we’re enjoying the quiet that follows—time with family, laughter, and the simple pleasures of being together. We want to send warm holiday wishes from our home to yours. Thank you for following along as we create a cozy, welcoming life and home. Your support means so much to us.
Below are some casual snapshots from our day and evening—real moments from our phones and social feeds that we thought you might enjoy.
This year we kept things peaceful and small, staying cozy at home. Our kids took the ferry from Seattle to join us, and it warmed my heart to see everyone together again—laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company.
The dogs had a blast too. They spent the day running around, tugging at ornaments, unraveling garland and unwrapping surprises—typical puppy mischief. Jack, our eldest at three and a half, keeps the younger pups on their toes. It’s full of energy and fluffy fun.
Santa always makes an appearance, and this year we actually caught him in the act—proof that someone is sneaking into our stockings! Watching those small traditions play out brings so much joy.
We had a lively White Elephant gift exchange: everyone had $25 and 45 minutes at the mall to find a surprise present. Between that and shared meals, we enjoyed festive treats like Winter Cider Sangria and lots of good conversation.
To protect cherished ornaments from curious paws, we gathered most of the animal ornaments toward the top of the tree. We did have one close call—our little bunny ornament survived a puppy encounter and is now safely recovering on the dish cabinet. His tail was nearly lost, but he’s okay!
Decorating gingerbread cookies was one of our simple, cheerful activities for the day. It’s wonderful to slow down and make memories together over icing and sprinkles.
We brewed fresh coffee and lingered on the couch—no rush, no plans, just cozy moments and conversation. Those unhurried hours are some of the best parts of the season.
Bella is thrilled to celebrate her first Christmas. She’s been having a wonderful time playing with Jack and Lily and soaking up all the attention.
Music fills our home—sometimes from an iPad, but mostly we prefer live playing. Courtney received a guitar this year and has been learning beautiful songs; with my husband’s musical background, our home is often blessed with singing and guitar music that make the season feel even warmer.
Gifts were kept simple and thoughtful. This year both of my daughters began collecting cookbooks—beautiful volumes to inspire meals and memories. My oldest, Kylee, is an exceptional cook who prepares the most delicious dishes for our family, a talent we all appreciate.
Tonight we’ll gather around the table for a special meal, read the Christmas story together from the Bible, each taking a part, and then curl up on the couch to watch Father of the Bride. Even after many viewings, it still makes us laugh and cry—it’s a family favorite and the perfect cozy ending to our day.