CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR.

I don't normally do these sorts of "recap" posts because, well, why??? But I have a surplus of photos and feel like blogging, so you're welcome for this gem of a blog post. Let it also be known that I typically stray away from these types of posts because I never have anything good to say about them. So there's that, too.

Christmas was pretty relaxed this year--even more so than year's past. I finished most of my Christmas shopping early--all thanks to Amazon Prime--so the week leading up to Christmas was filled with slow mornings, working from home, and enjoying time with family. Simply put, it was the best.

My family and I took time to walk around the campus I work on (hence the sheep and the horses!), spent time on the coast on Christmas Eve (where it was deserted and so peaceful), and I made sure to third-wheel it up with my parents on a hike to catch the sunset.

Christmas Day was slow but joyful. We woke up late, ate some of my sister's homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls, went to church as a family, and then opened presents before lunch (typically, we open as soon as we wake up, so this was a good change!). My dad gifted me that hand-lettered wood slice (thanks to Etsy wishlist exchanges!), my sister gave me a journaling Bible, and my mom gave me a necklace and some new clothes. We spent the afternoon relaxing and then had dinner with extended family at my aunt's house.

It's times like these that I forget (and then realize) how fleeting time is. How precious each moment is. There are so many times this month when I wish I was married, starting new traditions, and spending the holiday cuddled with someone I love. It's hard not to feel that way when all the rings come popping up out of nowhere on social media.

But this month also reminded just how blessed I am to have the family I've got. I may not have that ring on my finger, but I'm lucky to be able to celebrate Jesus, to get fresh air and enjoy the PNW, and to spend time with my family. Because if marriage is in my future, Christmases won't always be as slow and peaceful as this past one was.

So here's to slowing down, savoring the moments, and enjoying all of God's many, many blessings.