If we were having coffee I’d offer you some espresso! I got an espresso maker for Christmas! This may lead to me saving money 
because I’ll be able to make espresso in the morning and therefore visit my coffee cart less often. Or, it might lead to me just having more coffee. Time will tell!
My Christmas was okay. Over the past fifteen years I’ve spent more Christmas away from my family than with them — and the majority of those times with them in those years I’ve been coming in from out of town. Having Christmas when it’s just the same people who are always in the house, going through slightly changed plans… it wasn’t what I expected. But now I know that I have to take action to make Christmas what I want it to be next year – it can be done.
There’ve been some great parts too. Christmas Eve one of my friends took me to see Into The Woods. We got dinner first, and the place we went had gluten-free pasta! I have been craving mac-and-cheese that I didn’t have to make myself, and was so happy! The movie was good too — though I think I need to see it again before I write my promised review.
On Friday I got to go with a friend and her kids to see ZooLights. I love the Oregon Zoo, and it’s a beautiful to see it all covered in lights, some animated. We took the train, and even got to see some animals! It was fun to be out and about, around the excitement and energy (even if a little cranky and tired at moments) of little ones.
Saturday night was Christmas Part Two – over at my Dads. No presents, but food, yummy wine, and visiting. It was a pretty good time.
I’m looking forward to New Years — for the first time in I don’t know how long I have plans! A bunch of friends and I are getting a house on the coast and going to have a fun, two night, Friendsgiving celebration. I’ll tell you all about it next week!
How were your holidays? Did you do anything fun? Any wacky stories to tell? Any great plans for this week?
Would you like another cup of espresso?
Eclectic Alli 
You have an espresso machine! A real one, not one of those awful pod things! I’ll be right over!
I have happy feelings about my Christmas which kind of surprises me since I had to host my in-laws on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was the first one without my Dad. I guess you can find enough joy in the small things if you look. Like rainbow lights and food you can eat. 🙂
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I’m glad you were able to have a happy Christmas, even under the shadow of having it without your dad.
It is amazing, the way that small things can really help things be better if you let them.
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It sounds as though you had a great Christmas and what a brilliant espresso machine! Wishing you a wonderful 2015.
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yes, lots of espresso! If I move to Portland, OR I’ll swing by! (totally kidding…!)
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🙂
espresso shots for everyone!
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Sounds like you’ve had a good one. For years I had to be the one that came to town or missed out on all the Christmas stuff. It was hard because traveling that time of year can be dangerous. After a while I too came up with my own Christmas traditions instead of going on the road.
And you’re right about getting more out of the season the more you put into it. Family is a state of mind as much as blood. 🙂
Have a great New Years.
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
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