Leben had his Christmas before we left Austin– plenty of toys to go around!

A five-strand ribbon braid for Christmas morning

This year I was the last one awake on Chritsmas eve, so I got to put out the baby Jesus!

Continuing the teddy bear tradition in our family, Annie got a beautiful gray bear this year.

Annie got an art easel from G-Mama and G-Papa this year!

The aftermath of our Christmas crackers.

I laid out Christmas crackers at each place this Christmas for our family dinner.

We all said the blessing without Annie, and then she wanted to join. We said it again. <3

Homemade Gluhwein

The spread– including a beef wellington that took us four hours and four chefs to complete.

Granny’s spread of homemade desserts. 11 kinds of cookies, 10 kinds of candy.

This year required a flambe for the beef wellington sauce. Daddy stood nearby with the fire extinguisher.

Annie loves Christmas cookies so much that she asks for cookies for breakfast every morning.

The fabric scrap wreath I made for Mama. <3

It absolutely warms my heart to see Annie sitting in my place. <3

We sang lots of Christmas carols while Annie rang her jingle bells!

The family’s collection of teddy bears resides on the staircase landing.

A woven ribbon fishtail for Christmas eve.

I set the Christmas table this year with crackers and glass ornaments.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without cracking open the last two jars of Granny’s home-canned green beans!

The dining room before eating commenced.

Pictures with Santa from the three “girls.”

This year we had a stocking adventure. Three of them got so heavy they fell off the mantle and a jar of jam smashed on the floor, sending glass over our presents.

Seeing the Austin Trail of Lights for the first time.

Unscented candles as a substitute fire for this girl with fragrance allergies!

My very first real Christmas tree! My apartment in Austin was quite festive.

I glittered some ornaments to go with my jewel-tone Christmas tree color scheme. <3