Ever since we moved to Kentucky, 7 hours away from family, in December we struggle to get into the holiday spirit. All of our old traditions had meaning because they were shared with our family and the communities we grew up in. Thankfully our parents and my brother will be traveling to spend time with us right after Christmas so we are looking forward to that, but we are still left not sure quite what to do in the meantime! Little by little each year we are creating new traditions and ways of celebrating either by ourselves or with our new Kentucky friends.
Tonight, our friend Alicia came over to bake Christmas cookies, listen to Christmas music, and decorate the house (or at least get the decorating started!).
We made two types of cookies, ginger cookies (Chris’s request) and cream cheese sugar cookies in the shapes of farm animals! Alicia and I did most of the baking and Chris made us festive Christmas themed cocktails with sprinkles around the rim!
We got a good start on the decorating. The front entry way including the banister is done. The mantel is mostly done, it just needs a new wreath to hang in front of the mirror. Chris made the candle holder on the mantel using a stave from a bourbon barrel. I’m thrilled with how it turned out and I think that after the holidays are over I’ll swap out the red candles for something more neutral, take down the Santa and stockings and leave the rest in place until spring!
Alicia brought her pug, Tater, and she and Avi spent the evening competing for attention and putting up with their silly humans trying to dress them in Christmas hats.
Square Peg Farm 
The decorations are lovely and the cookies are very tempting. You and Chris will have a sweet little Christmas and can look forward to the family visit. Merry Christmas to you all!