{Christmas Eve // 2023}

 A Quiet, Cozy Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve usually comes with a whirlwind of activity—getting dressed up, packing the car, rushing to gatherings, and trying to fit it all in. But this year? This year was beautifully different. For the first time in what feels like forever, we had nowhere to be on Christmas Eve day. No schedule. No obligations. Just a quiet day at home, and honestly—it was exactly what our hearts needed.

We spent the day slow and simple. The house was full of cozy, festive vibes—twinkling lights, the smell of sugar and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. And of course, no Christmas Eve is complete without a marathon of holiday movies. We curled up on the couch with blankets, snacks, and warm drinks, watching all the classics—laughing at the funny parts we’ve seen a dozen times, and quoting our favorite lines like true Christmas movie pros. It was one of those rare, peaceful days where the clock seems to slow down, just enough for you to truly soak it all in.

One of the sweetest parts of the day was letting Mason open a gift early. It’s a little tradition we’ve done now and then, but this year felt like the perfect time to give him a happy little surprise. You can see in the photo (and on his face!) just how excited and overjoyed he was. His reaction was everything—pure joy and a little shock, the kind that makes you tear up and laugh all at once. Moments like that are truly priceless.

Watching Mason enjoy the day, seeing how big he's getting, how quickly he's growing—it’s both heartwarming and bittersweet. These moments feel fleeting sometimes. One day you’re rocking them to sleep, and the next they’re taller, wiser, and more independent. We’re soaking in every bit of his childhood, holding tight to these sweet, simple days where magic still lingers in the air.

Christmas can be so busy and full—and while that has its own charm—this quiet, cozy Christmas Eve reminded me that sometimes the best memories are made in the calm. In the laughter from the living room. In the smell of cookies baking. In the look on your child’s face when they open that one perfect gift.

I’ll treasure this day for a long time. Not because we did something big, but because we didn’t. And somehow, that made it all the more meaningful.

Wishing you and yours the same kind of peace, joy, and sweet stillness—whether your holidays are quiet or loud, full of travel or time at home. May we all find time to slow down, breathe it in, and remember what really matters.

Merry Christmas, friends. 💫🎄