Christmas Eve Eve

We started a new tradition last year, that is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Because Sabrina missed Thanksgiving last year I decided to make a Thanksgiving dinner and have my family over for Christmas Eve Eve. We don't get to spend that much time together these days and we had the best time. Since it was so great to do last year, I figured we should make it a tradition. Since Sabrina was at Thanksgiving this year, and making Thanksgiving dinner along with all the food I make for Christmas morning is a lot of work (and I was way behind on Christmas present buying and wrapping this year) I decided to make one of our favorite family recipes instead. I made two casseroles of Chicken Altogether and a peppermint dessert bar.

After dinner, we went and looked at the Christmas lights. We had planned on doing that last year, but the turkey (and huge amounts of other delicious Thanksgiving foods) made us too tired and we didn't make it. It was so fun! First we drove through our neighborhood while playing Christmas music, then we went to Winter Wonderland, the best light neighborhood in our area. We parked the car and walked around. Last year, Justin went with us, and I have to say, this will for sure be a tradition for my family. As you walk around the neighborhood, lit up boards tell the story of the Night Before Christmas. People were also passing out candy canes and there were even carolers. We all had such a great time, the only bummer was that Sabrina didn't make it in time to go with us. Next year, hopefully the whole family can go.

After the lights, we went back to the house for my peppermint bar which included: red velvet cupcakes with peppermint frosting, peppermint oreo truffles, peppermint cookies, peppermint bark rice krispy treats, peppermint ice cream bar, and peppermint hot chocolate bar. Everything was delicious and my dessert bar turned out really cute! I definitely think the night was a success. 

Later that night, Justin and Sabrina stayed the night, and we continued the tradition of watching Elf, and I continued my tradition of falling asleep a few minutes in. ;) I'm already looking forward to hosting next year's Christmas Eve Eve!