It's
almost time for vacation. I have 4 hours of work left today, 8.5 hours tomorrow, and then tomorrow at 4:30pm, I'm free for 11 whole days!
The last time I had 11 days off was last year at Christmas. Needless to say, I'm PUMPED!
Christmas is always super busy, but I don't really mind. I enjoy seeing family, eating food, working on puzzles, and playing lots of board (and video) games! My family and Jon's family are SO different and it's always fun to see both during the holidays because we experience two completely unique celebrations.
Jon and I opened our presents from each other already. We knew this week would be crazy, so we wanted to have time to sit down and enjoy opening presents with one another, away from all of the family. Here is what I got :)
This shirt, in three different colors:
Five pairs of socks, including these:
And the BEST present was SCENE IT for Xbox: 
Jon is not the best gift giver*, but he definitely listened to my hints throughout the year and bought me things that he knew I liked. Plus, the clothes were very practical.
We also started a tradition this year of using stockings like an advent calendar, where we each get a present a day as a countdown until Christmas. It definitely helped us get into the holiday spirit! I had a ton of fun putting together a bunch of little meaningful (and a few meaningless) gifts for Jon to open through the last couple weeks. I also loved getting a present every day. I think it helped squelch my usual snooping urges.
Tomorrow we're heading straight from work to Puyallup to kick off our Christmas marathon. I can't wait to see everyone (and to eat lots of cookies!)
I'll be back next Tuesday to update about our Christmas adventures, including a trip to Port Angeles and Victoria.
Merry Christmas!
-Kristin
*Disclaimer: It's not his love language, and I like him regardless of his gift giving ability.
