This Christmas.

Christmas is approaching quickly and I'm glad to say that, although I'm slacking on the present purchasing, we DID get our tree up.. Our first real tree since we've been married, y'all. Now that's something I can get excited about.   

Out first Christmas was only a few weeks after our wedding and a few days after arriving home from our honeymoon. It was a lovely and quiet one with friends in KC, gathered around my childhood mini Christmas Tree feasting on my very first attempt at making crépes. I think we even did a little secret Santa exchange with a $10 limit. 

The next year was spent in California with Nic's family, and we decided against decorating our apartment too heavily since we'd be gone for 3 weeks! We all got a stomach bug (Nic's parents and sibling included), which made it a little bit miserable of a trip, but we still managed to get out and do some dirt-biking and go-karting, and enjoyed lots of family time. Plus, sharing our exciting news about baby #2 made it a really special trip! 

Last year was spent in Albuquerque with my family, and once again, we decided not to put up a big tree since we'd be gone for a solid 3 weeks. We got to soak in some sunshine, hike and snowboard, and enjoy heaps of quality family time at random brunches and dinners. Truly a wonderful Christmas vacation! 

This year is so different. 

We don't have to travel more than 5 minutes to see family (2 siblings currently LIVE with us, so it's as simple as going downstairs, haha.) We are staying home, and attempting to create some of our own traditions in a new country and a yet another new home. And we have a little preschooler who is TOTALLY into all this Christmas stuff. I am really looking forward to seeing how this side of the world celebrates Christmas. From what I've seen so far it all seems pretty similar. Jesus' birth is a central theme and advent is pretty well observed, in fact, this Christmas marks the 200th year since the gospel was first shared with native New Zealanders, which is super exciting! And of course, the fat man himself Santa, is also all around and a huge part of celebrations. Although, this Santa wears shorts and looks a little bit like a beach bum. Haha. Still rocks a long white beard though! 

Summertime Christmas may never feel normal to me, but thankfully, summer in NZ still means random cold and cloudy days. Which means I can still gladly find an excuse to stay in all day and bake, or drink hot cocoa, or cuddle up and watch Elf! Definitely a Christmas tradition I refuse to let die. :)

Hasta luego, lovely people. 

Precious, isn't she?