Kyle and I spent our first married Christmas together at home. We debated about getting any decorations because we didn't really have the money and weren't sure if it would be worth it, but in the end, we're glad we did. We made memories with all of our frugal efforts and were able to bring in a little Christmas into our apartment.
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| Kyle MADE this stocking! |
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| Dollar Store snowflakes...awesome! |
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| Wal-Mart Christmas tree |
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| Stringing popcorn for the tree |
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| Not too shabby after all! |
Kyle's parents drove from their mission in Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with us. It was so wonderful to spend time with Tammy and Ross for the few days they were here. They brought a beautiful missionary spirit into our home and it's stayed since! They are such wonderful, loving people and I'm grateful to know them.
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| Silly goofs...that sugar is getting to us! |
I've learned that despite Kyle's numerous ways of showing love, gift giving is not top on the list. When he does give a gift, it is loving and thoughtful, but he doesn't really care to give or receive them. Because I know this about him and because we trimmed the Christmas budget down to a minimum, I didn't really plan on getting any surprises from him. However, on Christmas Eve morning, I glanced at the Christmas tree, and to my delight, I discovered gift after gift from Kyle to me! It hardly mattered what was inside them...just the fact that he'd gotten me these little tokens of affection meant the world and beyond to me. What a sweetie.
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| A new phone case...hot pink! |
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Family history research that we started together
(hard to explain, but super meaningful for me) |
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| Three coupons for homemade back massages |
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| The elf himself hard at work! |
My family decided to have our Christmas Eve devotional this year via video chat because there was no way that we could all be together. It turned out to be simply wonderful. We sang, read, and even danced together! It was so much fun and I'll never forgot it!
Our friends the Caldwell-Andrews were so kind to invite us over for dinner and music at their house on Christmas Eve. They spoiled us by serving steak and crab legs! We sang Christmas carols and read Luke 2 before we all headed home.
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| Delicious dinner! |
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| Singing Christmas carols |
The four of us held another Christmas Eve celebration back at our apartment. Kyle and his parents were so kind to let me share a family tradition that I hold dear. Every year for as long as I can remember, my family and I have gathered around a lit German pyramid while my dad has read the beloved story of
The Gift of the Magi. This year, I felt every emotion as Kyle read that story and we four sat around the new German pyramid my mom sent me. I felt grateful for every sweet Christmas I've shared with family past and present.
Santa came! I'm not sure how this happened, but somehow the underside of the Christmas tree was full of gifts on Christmas morning. I believe!
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Kyle's sister-in-law Jodi made these adorable
missionary stockings for Kyle's parents |
We opened our lovely gifts and then enjoyed a scrumptious Christmas breakfast.
The rest of the day was spent nibbling on goodies and video chatting with our families. I can't imaging a better way to celebrate Christmas. ;)
