Christmas Day Recap

Christmas Day was low-keyed for my hubby and me, and very relaxing after much hustle and bustle.  

Our son, Jeremy, sent a couple of pictures taken at their house on Christmas morning. Thankfully, Ellie is on the mend.

A toy pizzeria was on her wish list from us, and she told her parents it was her favorite gift.  Samantha [her mother] said she had eaten at least four large pretend pizzas!  ;-)

In the afternoon I worked on my presentation for the monthly assisted living tea at Shore Pointe, which is this Sunday, Dec. 29th.

Our grandson, Brandon, and his wife, Venessa, came over around 5:00 o'clock to visit for awhile since they were unable to be with us on Christmas Eve.

When they left, Jerry and I watched my new DVD Downton Abbey movie that I received as a Christmas gift before calling it a night.

Thursday and Friday [as well as today] were work days at The Whitney, serving 160 guests Afternoon Tea.  I'm ready for a slower pace.  ;-)

I received a few surprise gifts before Christmas Eve arrived.  A surprise package came in the mail from my friend, Linda, containing a tea cozy, personalized key chain, and a teapot sugar cookie. Thanks, Linda!

My co-worker, Steve, gave me a 2020 Teapot Calendar.

My girlfriend, Lori, gave me a year's subscription to Tea Time magazine - my favorite magazine!  Thanks, Lori!

My sweet neighbor brought over a plate of goodies: sugared pecans, almond pound cake, a gourmet caramel apple, and a cute tea strainer.  Thanks, Lorraine!  The pecans were to die for!

Do you like fruit cake?  Have you ever made one?  My hubby loves them, but I can easily pass them up.  I confess that in my 53 years of marriage I've never been inspired to make one, but I remember my mother and mother-in-law making them.  When I was grocery shopping for my Christmas Eve dinner I saw them in the store and purchased one for Jerry. It was actually quite good when accompanied with a cup of tea.

Here's the gifts I received on Christmas Eve:  An Upstairs & Downstairs book of Highclere Castle, a DVD of the Downton Abbey movie, and a Barnes & Noble gift card.  I can hardly wait to have time to sit down with my new book with a cup of tea in hand.

~ A Christmas tea set from Williams & Sonoma ~

A tin of tea from Great Lakes Tea & Spice Company - Roasted Almond Delight

A spa package of scented bath crystals and a candle from sweet Izzy.

A pair of slippers and a gift card to Chico's - one of my favorite stores.

A gift basket of edible goodies including a restaurant gift card, and a soft comfy throw from Kirklands.

And last, but not least, a holiday sweater and slacks from Talbot's [another favorite store], money to go shopping, and a devotional book from my hubby.

But the BEST gift of all is God's gift of His Son, Jesus!  Following close by is the gift of a wonderful family and friends.  I am SO blessed!