Christmas: Pandemic Edition

We had a quiet Christmas at home in BG this year--our first here and just the two of us. Like many others, we made the difficult decision to follow the guidance from public health officials, avoid travel, and spend time in person with only our own household. It was sad to miss out on the usual gatherings--it would have been a Missouri year--but we at least had clarity about our choice, and we tried to think of little ways to make the week festive and joyful all the same. 

I already posted about our Christmas decorations, which have continued to bring bright holiday cheer to the apartment. We also drove around a couple of nights to look at lights around town. The best display, by far, and as always, is the one at the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home (I know...it's a bit weird, but all the locals drive through because they do such a beautiful job! Here's a short video they posted a couple of years ago, so you can get the idea--better than my rushed nighttime phone pics!).  

funeral home entrance with Christmas lights

During the week of Christmas, Mark was able to play some video games online with Damon and Zach, and we had lots of video calls: on Christmas Eve with my Grandma; Katie, Nick, and Kaden; and Mark's family (we joined in to sing 12 Days of Christmas, read the Christmas story, and open gifts from siblings). On Christmas Day we connected with my parents and grandparents and again a couple of days later with them plus Julie, Ben, and Daniel. Somewhere in there, Julie and I also had a nice long call with Daniel napping in the background (then crying, nursing, and napping again!). I enjoyed catching up with Heidi by phone just today, and we also got a variety of Christmas cards and letters from family and friends. Plus an engagement announcement from our oldest nephew Zach! (Pretty amazing to end this year with two newborn nephews plus one who is newly engaged!). 

my view during the Christmas Eve call with
Mark's family (using his office computer)

a closer look at the screen--here we see
Hannah, Mom, & Dad

Dad sent this pic showing us on video in
their living room with Heidi and Zach

We also continued our usual tradition of watching Christmas movies in December. I think this is the full list: Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, Meet Me In Saint Louis, Miracle on 34th Street, Muppet Christmas Carol, Noelle, Polar Express, The Santa Clause (1&2), and White Christmas. I think Miracle on 34th Street is my favorite (and we didn't care for Meet Me In Saint Louis). 

And, of course, we made some delicious food, including a variety of Christmas cookies. A couple of friends also dropped by with surprise cookie deliveries, which was super delightful! 

my favorite frosted sugar cookies

Mark making M&M cookies

special K cookies

two-tone brownies (plus tea)
enjoyed while playing Sequence

cookies from the Jordans

journal, pickled peppers, and
cookies from Chad & Paul

our totally not-photogenic but delicious
Christmas Eve dinner: ham roll-ups

Swedish pancakes on
Christmas morning

a simple Christmas lunch
(for me...I don't remember
what Mark ate!)

Christmas dinner--rack of lamb,
mashed sweet potatoes, and salad

We were also spoiled by both families (and each other!) with lovely gifts--including some cash we've set aside toward house hunting expenses--and a variety of things from our wish lists plus several surprises. We filled stockings for each other for the first time, which I really enjoyed, and we also got a package this week with some stocking stuffers Mark's Mom sent. 

so many presents under our tree!

our stockings

the goodies from our stockings :-)

All that to say, despite not travelling this year, we did have a Merry Christmas. And I almost forgot--it was a white Christmas, too! We woke up to this lovely dusting, plus some light snow on and off for most of the day. Most of all, I've been so thankful for all the creative and alternative ways we've been able to connect with family and friends. 

snow on Christmas morning!
(the view from our bedroom window)

me and Mark on Christmas

wearing new Christmas socks from my Grandma!

As I write this on New Year's Eve, I'm amazed that it's finally and already the last day of 2020. What a year...I'm not sure if I'll follow this up with a year in review post or not, but we'll see. Meanwhile, if you're reading this, I'm thankful for you, and I hope you're finding joy and hope along with whatever else is on your mind as we turn over to the next calendar year. ❤