It only took the first couple of weeks of January, but my belated Christmas get-togethers and gift exchanges that were postponed from last year have finally been completed as of this past weekend! And with it, I’ve officially taken down the last of my remaining Christmas decorations and packed them away until the next holiday season. Progress is being made!
Let me just rewind real quick and explain. The death of my Uncle Mark right before this past Christmas absolutely put a damper on any celebratory moods and festivities my family had originally planned, for sure- but then COVID-19 went and caused another significant delay when it came to getting together with some of my loved ones to eat, drink, and swap presents to try and make the best of things. When my Aunt and Uncle were exposed and subsequently tested positive on Christmas Day (of all days!), we all ultimately decided to “circle back” after the New Year when they were feeling better and there was no risk of anyone else being exposed.
Well, this past weekend came that aforementioned “circling back,” but with everyone- not just my family! On Friday night, Sean, Stef, her husband Andy and myself all met at The Barn in Princeton, Massachusetts for our belated “Friends-Mas” (not to be confused with Friendsgiving!) to have dinner, drinks and see who could give the most over-the-top Christmas presents. It’s a competition that has made every holiday season so fun and memorable since we were all teenagers.
I had never been to The Barn before, and although seating was a little tight given how busy it was, and the paper they put across the tables made for some uncomfortable moments- it was easily overlooked when we got our food. I had the braised short ribs served on top of a potato and kale croquette with Brussel Sprouts- and it was divine!
As for gifts, Stef got me the Fisher Price phone that was once again made famous (and horrifying) in the movie ‘Skinamarink,’ so I think she wins this year!
On Saturday, I headed over to my cousin’s house to meet their new dog, Boscoe, and participate in another belated gift exchange along with my mom, my cousin Paige, and her husband, Brian. It’s always so good to see them and I’m so appreciative of all of the gifts I received- including but not limited to affirmation bracelets Paige had made for me (pictured above!) and some souvenirs and candy from her and Brian’s recent trip to Iceland. It’ so pretty that I almost don’t want to eat it… But I will!
And then on Sunday, after confirming they had both tested negative for COVID and were feeling better- I headed to my Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Michael’s house for snacks, presents, and a viewing of ‘The Holdovers’ (which was predominantly filmed right by my apartment!) It’s such a good movie and I highly recommend if if you haven’t seen it yet.
So with Christmas 2023 done and in the books, albeit a few weeks later than expected- I’m looking forward to shifting gears in preparation for my upcoming birthday, for Troy’s anticipated arrival back in New England at the end of the month, and for Valentine’s Day since I found some of the cutest decorations for my place!
I’m so ready!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 