December 2012

Holidays are always a little hectic for Gaetano and me because we are blessed to have so much family to split our time with. December is the busiest month of all.  We had started some traditions that we continued this year and then also just spent a lot of time with family and friends near us and visiting.

One tradition we have is with our good friends Daniel and Jacky.  We go see the Christmas lights on the homes in Naples, Long Beach.  We normally grab some hot drinks and walk around to admire the homes and their decorations.  This year we also went to dinner before and had amazing BBQ.  Daniel and Jacky also hosted a Ugly Christmas sweater party that involved tons of dessert and games.
I have an old friend from church, Shauna, that has moved back to the area with her husband, Taylor, and adorable son, Nixon.  I have been spending a lot of time with her, and Gaetano finally got to meet the whole gang when we went to the Orange Stake Christmas Creche.  Gaetano and I have been going the past few years and it's becoming a tradition that we look forward to each December.  Taylor and Shauna then had us over to their place for dinner and Bruxie for dessert.  (For those who have never tried Bruxie in Orange, you are missing out!)
My mom also invited Gaetano and me to the live Nativity program at the LDS building in Brea that was AMAZING!  I am so happy we got to go.  They have it every year and from what I hear, it keeps getting better.  After the program, they also had a display of nativities and goodies.
I got to spend a couple nights with my mom and aunt Tina where we had dinner and decorated their Christmas trees.  I enjoyed that time with them.
Then there was Christmas Eve where we went to Gaetano's uncle and aunt's house for dinner and a gift exchange.  One of Gaetano's cousins from Sicily was visiting with his girlfriend, so we got to meet and talk with them.  *Gaetano gave me one of my presents this night- a song that he created for me.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwW9CSKSuxo&sns=em)
Christmas morning we woke up early and went to my mom's for breakfast and to open stockings and presents with them.  We were so excited because my eldest sister, Evy, and her family were in town.  I love having my little niece and nephew around!
That afternoon, we went to Gaetano's dad's house for a Christmas lunch.  Gaetano's stepmother's family also joined us.  The food was delicious (as always!) and we especially enjoyed spending time with Gaetano's little sister, Valentina.
That night, my baby sister, Cassie, came home and Gaetano and I picked her up from the airport.  We love her tons and were so happy she was finally home!
The next day, we went to my grandparents home for a dinner which also included a couple of my mom's siblings and their families.  It is always nice to see cousins that I don't get to see very often.
That pretty much ended our Christmas.  We were so sad that the holiday was over, but were happy to have our more relaxed schedule back :-)

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