December Delights

Today’s tidbit: “Holidays are about experiences and people, and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch.” ― Evelyn Glennie

December consisted of nights out, get togethers, crafting, decorating and baking. This year my brother, David and I stayed in Maryland with my dad (and Sammy). It was the first year ever not being in New York with my mom/her family. It was also the first year without my grandpa, who passed away one year ago today (1.5.14). With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s good to remember that what is really important is spending time with the people you love.

Sneak peek image:

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Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

{National Harbor} I have wanted to go to the tree lighting in National Harbor for years and finally went. Although it was freezing out it was a great time, and I’m so glad Holly and her sister came with me. Along with the tree we also enjoyed fireworks, rode the capital wheel and, of course, took pictures. Long exposures and night photography is something I really want to work on more (once I get a new tripod).

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{get togethers} Cozy nights in with friends.

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Rudolph, because it’s a classic… and I’m a big kid.

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Lindsey, who I graduated from GMU with and am now working with at ASCD, hosted a lovely night with designer friends. She surprised everyone with a pampering hand/leg scrub and massage (that came to us). To top it off we all left with some goodies… how cute is the scrub label/packaging? Such a sweet and fun night.

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{crafting} This year I was all about pattern and twine for cards. Love making them, whether designing on the computer or good old cut and paste. I also made a ‘very merry’ sign for the fireplace out of felt and made use of leftover branches from the tree.

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{the tree} One of my favorite things about Christmas is going and picking out the perfect tree and then decorating it, with both sentimental and colorful ornaments. Who else is all about a real tree?

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{baking} I don’t bake often, really at all, except around the holidays. My sister, Allie is the pro but she wasn’t with us this year (in Colorado). She sent me some gluten free mixes and cookie cutters in the mail so I had to make some sweets, along with make a mess in the kitchen. Below are a few of the successful tasty treats.

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{Christmas} With just the three, well four, of us this year it was a small Christmas but an enjoyable and relaxing one, which is always nice. Had a cozy morning by the tree sipping on hot chocolate, opening presents and taking pictures. The rest of the day was full of good food, movies, conversation and just enjoying being together. Below are some pictures from the morning.

Christmas slidepix

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This guy, he’s just too cute. Kisses to and from santa Sammy.

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{santa dog} How cute is this flower arrangement? Wonderful Christmas Eve surprise delivery from AUS! So sweet. Sammy was curious about it so I had to get one of Sammy santa dog next to flower santa dog.

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{presents} We didn’t do too many presents this year, which is fine by me. The older I get the less important presents are and more important giving and helping others is becoming. This year I donated to local animal shelters and charities. I’m making it a goal in 2015 to volunteer more, especially around the holidays. Below are a few favorites though, all travel inspired.

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Love this Australia theme my mom gave (ordered from Queensland). Lots of places I need to still check off on that map, but it’s neat to see where I did go in WA. Well designed and all recyclable materials too. Check them out: Journey Jottings

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Cute note pads from Holly, so I can make all my packing lists and travel plans.

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Love this bit necklace from Allie.

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Silk scarf my dad got when he was in India.

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{little helpers} This was taken the weekend after Christmas when Holly and Jax came over. They are just too cute, and secretly loved it.

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{winter wonderland} Ending this post with some beautiful snow pictures. Around Christmas is the one time I enjoy the snow. This year I didn’t have a white Christmas, although is was a cold dreary day with off and on rain showers, but instead had a white Thanksgiving. Below are a few from then in New York (more on my Fall Festivities post).

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No matter what you celebrate, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and end to 2014!

Check back next week as I share my top 2014 travel adventures.

10 Responses to “December Delights”

  1. hannah says:

    Beautiful post! Looks like a cozy and fun month. Any travel plans for 2015 yet??

    • alyssa says:

      Thank you! Yes, few trips in the works but first big international trip planned for next month! Posting that announcement soon.

  2. Chris says:

    I have this friend, Charlie. He was considering a career in modelling and wanted to know how much Jax and Sammy are paid by the hour? Like how many bones would he get, and would he get other treats? After seeing all the wonderful, exciting Christmas photos he is pretty keen! 😉 Great post.

    • alyssa says:

      Oh you. Charlie would make an excellent little model I think… just like you’re an excellent photographer assistant.

  3. Angela says:

    Christmas is a magical time. I love that you donated and want to volunteer more instead of presents… giving is what the holidays are about.

  4. Holly says:

    Chris- Jax and Sammy are old modeling professionals at this point. They get a bite size treat every couple of minutes, followed up with a bone at the end. But if the shoot goes really well they get a belly rub bonus!

    • Chris says:

      Crickey! He never imagined it could be so good. Once I told Charlie about the belly rubs, I saw in his little eyes that he was doing it for sure.

      • alyssa says:

        Haha! Love this. Being around me, would you expect any less? You know they are always getting a camera in their face. Holly and I were just hanging out, Jax and Sammy kept laying so nicely by the tree so that’s when we decided to do a little shoot. They were very good. And Chris, you have to find Charlie again first! But when you do, tell him I promise he can model when I come back to AUS and he will get lots of treats (dog treats, not pasta like you gave him) and belly rubs.

  5. Parveen says:

    Beeeeautifully done. Love the way you present and express your thoughts/feelings!