Today, Christmas Eve Eve, I am writing to you from my bed still, with Ollie snoring underneath about four blankies, as my body does its expected crash out from yesterday’s last minute push to gather everything for Christmas.

(An aside: every single year I tell myself I’ll remember next year just *how crazy* those crowds and lines are this late and get it together earlier – but, as I’ve kept this up until age 46, Lord willing next Christmas, I’ll probably be “surprised” again by last minute shopping madness. 😂 #bless)

That said, hopefully after Ollie and I rest and get our meds on board, we can slowly start moving about with the help of some coffee because Santa has much wrapping to do today to load the sleigh. ♥️

This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas with our precious Mom & Pop.

It was our first family Christmas without our GJ and she is missed just terribly but it was wonderful to have our family together.

It was the sweetest day with our family.

Also, there was the happiest little surprise for me on the way to our family Christmas. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I missed getting to take Ollie for his Santa pictures this year because I was sick on the day of his appointment. Well, as we stopped at Mark’s Outdoors to pick up a few things on our way to the lake, Santa and Mrs. Claus were there and love to take puppy pictures. My little one got his Santa pictures after all. ♥️

(After family Christmas on Saturday, I was in bed all day Sunday and I’ll be sharing a post after the holidays about the crazy changes I’m seeing in my body, especially my CRPS, this year. For now though, let’s talk more happy holiday things. ♥️)

Yesterday, in the midst of this elf’s many holiday errands to get ready for Santa, I was able to meet my dear Cheryl for Christmas lunch.

We had the best time talking and catching up and she gave me the sweetest gifts for Christmas.

After the best Christmas lunch, I was off in the sleigh to my parent’s house and got to see my sweet Daddy too – and ran in without my phone, so alas, no pictures. Still, we had a lovely visit before I took on all of Trussville, Alabama, to finish Santa’s list.

On my way home, though, I did get to see the Regions Building Christmas lights, a Birmingham tradition I’ve loved since I was a little girl. I’m not downtown at night much these days so I hadn’t gotten to see them this year.

Now it’s time to get ready for Christmas here in the Hippie Hut. I can’t wait. ♥️

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday with your loved ones as well.

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other. Merry Christmas. ♥️

Grace and Blessings.