December was full of all the holiday things as we fully leaned into the Schnell Family Twinkle-Fest 2024. Early mornings were spent playing by the Christmas tree, wondering which ornament would be Isaac’s favorite du jour…
We leaned into time with our chosen family as well, gathering on Black Friday to devour a spread of Thanksgiving leftovers. Jack’s turkey congee was so good for the soul.
We visited the Christmas market at Seattle Center while Shane’s mom was still here. Lights and hot cocoa and a carousel (that the kids rode twice, no less) and a visit with Santa, from whom Isaac decisively requested a Paw Patrol Chase stuffy (I took notes).
Juliette says she’s too old for the carousel, but agreed to ride “just to show Isaac how to hold on”.
The Christmas Ship is another favorite ritual on our holiday calendar and since we missed the ship’s November docking at Alki Beach, we drove over to Seward Park to catch their Lake Washington show. We perched on a log, wrapped a fleece blanket around our shoulders, and listened to the carolers’ voices ring out over the water.
Want to talk about twinkle? The annual Menashee House display was unveiled on December 1st in all it’s brightly colored glory.
We visited our other favorite neighborhood displays, like the yard with 40 inflatables, and the house with a projection of a cookie-eating Santa in the window. I love how this time of year turns even our run-of-the-mill drive home from daycare into a wonder-filled event, ripe with holiday magic.
Shane’s mom headed back to Minnesota in early December and we missed her the moment she left, but are so thankful that we were able to ring in the holiday season with her.
Juliette participated in her school’s annual craft fair on a Saturday, selling handmade bracelets and decorated mini-trees. It was such a festive event, the cafeteria brimming with creativity and pride. Juliette’s wares were a hit and she turned a good profit, though she reminded me that “it’s not about the money, Mommy”.
Juliette decorated a gingerbread house…
And Isaac ate said decorations…
There was a father-daughter pickleball game under Alki’s evening lights…
And Nancy, La Verne and I skipped town on a Friday for our annual getaway. We hot-tubbed in Port Townsend and browsed cute bookshops and feasted at Finistere, then cozied up at La V’s Marrowstone house for movies and dessert.
We made it back to Seattle in time to watch the kids’ December piano recital. Juliette practiced, practiced, practiced beforehand but was a ball of nerves when we walked in the church. I sat with her onstage for a quick little rehearsal prior to showtime and watched her shoulders relax as she made it through the most challenging bars of The Beach. She got this.
Nailed it.
My most favorite holiday tradition is our family brunch with the Chens and Rusts, where we eat and exchange gifts and be merry together. Pickles the Bassett Hound loves it, too – don’t let those droopy eyes fool you!
Does this boy need a puppy for Christmas?!
This gang gives the most thoughtful gifts; each little surprise is emblematic of just how well we know and love each other.
(The Chens know the way to Isaac’s heart, for sure!)
Juliette and I kicked off her winter break with our Christmas tree slumber party. I think I fell asleep well before she did, but I woke up in the wee hours of the night and found her snoozing peacefully.
Isaac joined us early the next morning…
And then I took him to our neighborhood Santa while Juliette was kicking the soccer ball around with some friends. Isaac hopped right up onto the couch and these two had a nice little chat and then suddenly Isaac was right on Saint Nick’s lap, cheesing for a photo.
This time around, Isaac’s one Christmas request was for a candy cane. You got it, Buddy!
Gosh, I love the Saturday before Christmas. Most the to-do’s are done, we have two weeks of break stretching out in front of us, the house is cozy with anticipation and the sound of Elf or The Grinch playing in the background. It’s such a good day for a blanket nest.
(Are you cozy, Juliette?)
Next stop, Portland!
