Rockin Around The Tree

Here’s a recap of holiday life lately!

That’s me in that ornament that is probably nearly 4 decades old ^^

Holidays Lately

We’ve been doing lots of fun holiday activities over the past few weeks, including decorating our perfect little Christmas tree. I was a bit overwhelmed thinking about hauling a real (tall) tree up to my second floor (hello pine needles) and also didn’t have a stand, so when some neighbors posted a moving sale and this petite tree was listed for $10, I jumped on it! I’d already looked at some artificial trees online and they were all over $100. I was thrilled to take this pre-lit one off their hands! While I do think a real tree has so much charm and smells delicious, I think I’m going to stick with this guy for a few years at least! Tis “my” season for that.

I bought two sets of shelves off of the same neighbors, so we now have a wall for the boys’ Lego collection whenever it is ready to be moved.

Veritas Illuminated

Birch and I did our annual pilgrimage to Veritas Vineyards to see the holiday lights with a group of friends! (Mazen coincidentally had a birthday party just down the road, so the stars aligned on the drive/timing). The light path is open until January 3 generally on the weekends, but sometimes other dates so check their website! There is also food and wine in the tasting room.

B absolutely loved running through the lights! Veritas always does a good job on unique features like tunnels, and over-the-head features. There is also holiday music playing in the trees!

Afterwards we went into the tasting room for wine and cheese boards!

The Holly and The Ivy

We also went to a holiday party at Ivy’s house where we did a white elephant gift exchange, and I ate so much cheese! Birch got to play Santa and pass out gifts, and he loved this role!

We also went to Birch’s friend’s cookie decorating party and made delicious sugar cookies!

It was a big weekend!

Downtown Mall Elf Hunt

Another weekend we went to a holiday event on the downtown mall to see Santa.

Birch decided he did not want to get very close, so we took a selfie instead. (He takes after me!)

We went to many of the shops downtown to find their hiding elf. B loved it!

Hot chocolate to warm up!

In our house Elfie hides each night and Birch looks for her each morning. She doesn’t really make messes, and we don’t have a “kids can’t touch her” rule. It’s fun enough!

We have had three snow days and many two hour delays and it’s not even January yet! I’m worried about this winter. On Monday we had a two hour delay “because it was cold.” Sheesh!

Mazen has been deep into mountain biking and sent me this picture from the pump track. He’s not scared of the cold or mud (like I am, haha).

Indoor activities have involved creator Legos and foil art.

Plus this ice cream / sorbet making Kiwi Crate that we loved! Would make a great gift for a elementary kid. Our lemon sorbet was great!

Concerts For Good

Speaking of ice, I went to see local celeb Michael Coleman jam out in a garage concert. Yes, an outdoor concert in below-freezing temps! Thank goodness they had heaters. The concert benefited Stepping Stone Charlottesville.

I’m not scared of cold if I’m moving, and I’ve done several beautiful winter hikes in the last few weeks.