Christmas Food

This year I made an assortment of goodies for Mr. GV to take to work and share:  pecan bars, mud balls, chocolate chip cookies, and Rice Krispie/marshmallow squares.  

Chex Mix is a tradition around here, and I usually make a batch for Christmas, a batch for New Year's Eve, and then we are tired of it until next Christmas!

The cinnamon rolls from "The Joy of Vegan Baking", right before they were rolled up.  

J and I made Christmas sugar cookies this year.  I made the dough ahead of time and he helped in the rolling and cutting.  

They were really good!  I found some red and green sprinkles at Whole Foods that J could have (no red #40.)  

Santa even seemed to enjoy his cookies, and he drank all of his mint chocolate coconut milk!  

Christmas Activities, Part 3

This was our tree this year.  It's probably the smallest amount of presents we've ever had under the tree, but it was really just right.  There is also a wrapped didgeridoo for J in the corner that you can't see.  (And he loved it.)  Mr. GV and I decided on a new TV and couch this year as our big gift.  

Milo opening his gift of a green and purple squeaky stuffed dragon, which he loves to carry around with him.

Christmas Eve we went to Mr. GV's parents' house for a gift exchange.  

We spent the night at Mom's house, then forced the poor child to wait to open gifts until later.  It's really not fair, and we won't do that again.  Meanwhile we enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  

J enjoyed watching his Mommy open her gloves he picked out. 

The aftermath of a child's Christmas.  

Breakfast for lunch!  Hash browns, biscuits, sausage, tempeh bacon, tofu scramble, and gravy, all vegan of course.  

J enjoyed getting to play with his cousin a couple times over Christmas break. They are 5 months apart and seem to be a lot alike in personality, so play well together.  

Christmas Activities, Part 2

As usual, we went to the Christmas parade in our hometown.  It was freezing this year, and I was a little bit sick.  Mr. GV kept me warm by snuggling me close.  (My hero.) 

My favorite entry would have to be the guy who made his wrecker into Towmater.  It was just adorable. 

Of course for a child the best part is seeing Santa....and collecting the candy that is thrown out!  J left with quite a stash.  

Family selfie!  

After the parade, it was off to Mom's house to decorate her tree.  Here J is posing with one of the cats (Thing 1 I think) plus Casper the friendly pit bull.  

My Christmas cards that I sent out this year.  I found them at Goodwill early last year.  They each tell a story on the back about the animal you see, who lives at Farm Sanctuary.  

A few days later, it was time to decorate our tree at home.  J came over to help us out and Mr. GV made homemade hot chocolate for us.  Some Sweet and Sarah marshmallows, a dye-free candy cane, and some cinnamon on top, and it was perfect.  

J enjoyed sipping on his mug o' chocolaty goodness and listening to the Kids' Christmas station on Pandora.  

J and Mr. GV hanging this years ornament on the tree.  This year we decided on a bicycle-themed ornament, to represent our vacation which culminated in the Bicycle Museum of America, Mr. GV's dream destination.  lol

One day J helped me make wrapping paper, then we wrapped his Mommy and Nana's gifts from him.  

He was so proud of his gift wrapping.  He pretty much did it by himself, with a little guidance from me and some help with the tape.

J was chief decorator this year.  He decorated the entire mantle himself.  Notice we have 5 stockings this year.  He couldn't understand why he didn't have a stocking here at our house.  I'm glad he feels "at home" here but wanted to make sure he knew Santa only comes to the house he stays at Christmas Eve, so his stocking here would remain empty.  He was cool with that, so I let him pick out an extra stocking I had.  He chose the one that my high school Spanish teacher gave me when I was an aide in her class.  

Almost all of us.  Gabby the cat was not having it, as usual.

My favorite Christmas picture this year.  A dog and his boy.  

Christmas Activities, Part 1

We took part in so many activities in December:

Visiting with Santa in his house on the court square

Making a gingerbread house at the library with NaNa

And oh, what a decorated house it was!  J wanted a bit of every available candy on there.

Supper with Santa at the school, where J met up with his friend while we were waiting for Santa to arrive on the fire truck.  

There were lots of games to play, 

and cookies to decorate.  

There was also a cake walk, face painting, pictures with Santa, cotton candy, food to be bought, inflatables to jump on, and experiences to bid on.  

Related to winter but not Christmas specifically, we saw "Frozen."  We all thought it was a cute and funny movie, and of course the music was beautiful.  J has enjoyed listening to the songs from the movie whenever they are played on Pandora.