Merry Christmas from Prep Northwest

I love Christmas. I think it's safe to say that most of us who celebrate the holiday do, too! Even though I work in retail and deal with crazy holiday shoppers, I love the energy that December brings. It's cheery, full of love, and people seem to walk with a little more spring in their step. In honor of the holiday, I thought I would share a few of my favorite photos from this year and a few of my family traditions! 

Every year on Christmas Eve, my mom's side of the family gets together for the holiday. We always have a really great buffet-style dinner and open the presents we've gifted to each other. It's really great to be able to spend it with my mom's side of my family and my nephews (I have the cutest nephews around, not to brag). It's become a really special tradition! We don't do pjs or anything - when my mom moved here from the Philippines, I don't think they knew it was really a thing. But that's fine with me, I love how we do Christmas.

Christmas day is spent with my immediate family. This year, my brother wants to open our presents in the evening instead of in the morning, so we have something to look forward to (haha). I think we're gonna try! I'm also lucky enough to be invited over for dinner at Chris' with his parents and to stop by to visit with my best friend Paul's family. 

Family (and friend!) traditions are fun, unique, and interesting. Every family does Christmas differently, so it's fun to hear about and experience how another family celebrates. If you have special traditions, share them with me! That kind of sappy stuff makes my heart glow.

How fun is this "balloon" ornament?

Every year, the Sheraton hotel hosts a gingerbread house contest, and the "houses" are always amazing! This year, the theme was "Christmas Songs" - my two favorites were the Seattle and Hawaiian ones!

Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy Holidays!

Cheers!