It is the 11th of February and our Christmas tree is still up. I just can’t bring myself to take it down. Not only does it still feel like Christmas here in Cambridge with all the snow and frosty air, but the tree is one of the only decorative items in our house. So for now, my tree is staying put. Don’t judge me. Since it has been nearly a month and a half since I have written, I decided that I would start with where I left off. So forget for now that it is February…
This was our first Christmas in Cambridge and it was lovely. The city emptied of all the students and even most of the tourists, and we were left to enjoy the serenity of the holiday with our closest friends. There were a few of us who would all be here, so we decided to celebrate together. Most of us had plans for Christmas day, so we decided to celebrate on Christmas Eve. Ben and I headed over to our friend’s Colin and Candice’s house and we had a great day eating, laughing, opening gifts, more eating, watching movies, and putting puzzles together. It was a relaxing day that was filled with all the good things that make Christmas so special.
The highlights from the day for me include…A-mazing cinnamon rolls…ridiculously rich and gooey (seriously, so good). Then we did a really fun gift exchange and then the Candice & Colin surprised us all with individual stockings. This was so thoughtful, and reminded me so much of home, that I actually got a little teary at first. The other highlight was watching all our boys spend the day putting together a huge puzzle. They looked so cute, and SO focused! We wrapped up the night with an amazing dinner that each of us helped with. It was such a great day.
My only disappointment for Christmas Eve was that there was no church service. This is the church service that I look forward to attending all year. I love the scripture readings, the joyful singing, the candle lighting, and all the hugs and kisses that are shared with those you love. I know part of the reason that there are no Christmas Eve services is because church services are held on Christmas day which is fine, but it is just different. Even though we went to church on Christmas day, I still missed my favorite service. C’est la vie.
After church on Christmas morning, Ben and I spent the day together and then headed over to the home of a family from our church. They had invited us to be a part of their families Christmas dinner which was so thoughtful. It was difficult to be away from our families for Christmas, so it was nice to be included in someone else’s family celebrations. We all gathered around the table, and I have to say, I have never had such a lovely Christmas dinner. The table setting was just gorgeous and the company was even better. We spent the night chatting and laughing, breaking open Christmas crackers, and eating course after course of amazing food. After an amazing dinner, we all gathered in the living room where we spent a few hours playing various games. It was such a fun night, and a great way to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
We felt so blessed this Christmas. We were surrounded by amazing friends who were so generous and loving towards us. Thank you all for your thoughtfulness and kindness. We love you and feel extremely blessed to have you all for friends. You are the best Cambridge family we could ask for!
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- Ben and Eric…looking very intense!
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- Ben, Colin, and Eric puzzling away
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- Candice and Nicki…looking lovely as ever!
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- Asher opening his first stocking!
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- The Bullards Christmas reading
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- The worlds prettiest Christmas dinner
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- Ella, me, and Rory
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- The whole fam
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- Ben trying to win…not sure if that is a good move…
