Merry Christmas, Everyone!

There's just something about my parents' house at Christmas time. Well, there's just something relaxing and rejuvenating about being at my parents' house, period. But at Christmas, it's magical. All of us...Mom and Dad, Becky, Mike and I...turn into children again. Christmas morning in the Soares house is epic. We spend hours sitting by the tree in our PJs, sipping coffee and laughing at the crazy gifts we surprised each other with. Today, as I finish up the last few sessions of the year, wrap a few miscellaneous gifts and pack up to head home, I am so excited I can barely stand it.

Wishing all of you a very happy, safe, healthy, Merry Christmas with your own families.

Gold Stars this week...well, this month, really!...go to:

*Holiday cards: Oh my goodness. Mike and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the smiling faces and sweet words that come in the mail every day. Seeing so many of the photos we have taken for our clients, our friends, throughout the year is such a thrill and means the world to us.

*Our very first real Christmas Tree: This year, "tree-in-a-bucket" was relegated to our mantle and Mike and I got our first real Christmas tree. I've never had a real tree before, and I have to admit that despite how hilarious seeing it bundled and tied to the top of our car was for me...and after my initial shock at how huge it actually was once unbundled in our place...I love it more than anything. The fact that it smells SO GOOD. The fact that it's decorated with ornaments from our wedding year and the photos and memories we have made together over the past five years. The fact that it makes our house feel like a home.

*Tradition: Every year, Mike and I like to celebrate the holiday just the two of us by heading out to dinner, looking forward to the holiday and family time stretching before us, enjoying a cozy moment before the rush of excitement. This year, before dinner, Mike is taking me to "Zoo Lights" in Lincoln Park, knowing it's one of my favorites places in the city. I think this is the first year since we've been in Chicago that it hasn't been too cold or snowy to enjoy it!