Last year we procrastinated getting a Christmas tree for so long we decided the week before Christmas we just weren’t going to get one.
This year, we went out as soon as Thanksgiving was over to be sure we got enough love outta the tree.
Despite a few hundred pine needles in the back seat of Matt’s Honda, we were able to get our 6.5 ft. tree home and decorated no problem. Record timing too!
Somebody’s in the Christmas spirit! He makes fun of me for starting the music too soon, but he’s been humming carols and had a fun time with the tree. I was impressed by his enthusiasm!
If you look closely, we have THREE angels in the tree!
I started to get hungry mid-way through, so Matt brought up some grog from the basement.
Sip, sip.
A few of our favorites. You also might notice if you look closely that all of my ornaments are near the top and center. Matt’s have been placed at the bottom, including one of his brother, Andrew, that’s on the very lowest branch. ‘Tis tradition!!!!! I’m sure they’ll be moved
Only one ornament was crushed in the making of this blog post. And how weird is it that it was a hairy one!?
At 5:45 I realized I was starving and we had three choices:
- Have a big snack and spoil my dinner appetite.
- Have a small snack, be unsatisfied, have more small snacks, spoil my dinner appetite.
- Eat dinner.
So we pulled out the leftovers and got to work on sandwiches!
We’ve both been craving turkey sandwiches since turkey day but had yet to make them. Tonight seemed like the perfect occasion.
Turkey + Cran + Cheddar for me, with a side of broccoli salad
The aged sharp cheddar totally MADE the sandwich!!! I used to think you can’t taste cheese on sandwiches so why bother? But now I’ve realized that you can’t taste BAD cheese on sandwiches. Aged cheddar is key for a good cheese + jam combo. This one was outta this world good.
The broccoli salad was a few crowns of broc, steamed in the microwave for 2 minutes in a little water, then mixed with:
- 2 tbsp greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil mayo
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp dried berries
- Salt + peppa
Being a huge fan of all things sweet + savory as well as all things crunchy, I loved it!
His came with 2x the bread, a curried turkey salad and mashed potatoes!
39 degrees – seems like a nice night for a walk to me! NOT!
Actually it was a perfect time for a walk. We bundled up and headed out for a 30 minute whiz around our neighborhood, discussing features of our dream house.
After blogging, I can’t wait to curl up with my book by the Christmas lights!
rebecca lustig says
the broccoli salad looks like snow covered trees!
or maybe thats just me getting way too into the holiday spirit…
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
I feel like everyone in blog world has gotten their tree this weekend- I can’t wait to get mine!! Hope you have a great night.
Clare @ Fitting It All In says
Your tree is beautiful! Love all the colors.
I’m working on getting my family to start decorating…it’s tough!
Laura I. says
It’s amazing how living in a special city makes getting in the Christmas spirit so effortless. I always loved spending Christmas in Charlottesville:-)
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
The tree looks GREAT! Gotta love those 40 degree night-time run/walks! Just got back from one myself. 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Your tree looks awesome!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
Your tree looks so wonderful and festive!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
That broccoli salad reminds me of the one at the WFs hot bar…I love it. I remade it once but it wasn’t quite as good.
I’ve been cutting off slices of asiago cheese all night. Quality cheese is so worth the extra $$.
Cara Craves... says
Your tree looks so great!
I love how Christmas trees can sorta tell a story of a person’s life.
Totally with you on the cheese thing…if it’s going to be on the
sandwich, it better be good!
Dottie says
Kath,
My brother and Sis in law are a few weeks away from opening their own company. The “South Durham Confection Company”. They create savory cookies, think european biscuits that are meant to be paired with craft beers. I’d love to send you some for you own thoughts but can’t find info on sending you things! Jimmy is a national gold medal homebrew winner, as well as other honors, and Alison is an amazing home cook. They combined their skills to start a new adventure. Let me know if you’re interested!
Thanks, Dottie
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
LOVE broccoli salad! It’s one of my favorities for sure!
stacey-healthylife says
Such a pretty tree, love your house.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Yayy!! I can’t wait to put mine up! Christmas trees add so much joy instantaneously. 🙂
[email protected] says
Gorgeous tree! And I love your showcasing of that kickass nail polish!
Sana says
It was so chilly today! I am glad you were able to get out for a quick walk!
Meagan says
When you say “I’m hungry” does that mean a stomach growl for food or does it mean “I like the idea of food and kinda need to nosh on something?”
I’ve always wondered this. Everyone defines hunger in a different way!
Kath says
For me hunger is physical. If it were mental, I’d say “I wanted to boredom eat” or something (I’ve said that before!) I do think there are levels of hunger. There’s a “I might need something in 30 minutes” vs “I’m getting light headed feed me now” spectrum.
Natalia - a side of simple says
I’m so happy you got a tree and decorated already 🙂 I also have to admit that your turkey sandwich looks the best out of all the ones I’m seen so far. Maybe it’s the broccoli side that I’m dying to mix up??
Ravenous Rowie says
A book and christmas lights sounds like the perfect evening! Your tree is beautiful, and now I’m craving turkey sandwiches!
Melissa @ I Never Imagined says
Awww I love your Christmas tree! I want to set mine up now!!
Paige @Running Around Normal says
Beautiful tree! We just decorated ours tonight too! so much fun 🙂
Kimberly @ Servantless American Cook says
My favorite thing to do read, talk, whatever around the Christmas tree! It makes me so happy. Enjoy!
Namaste Gurl says
Neat tree and love that you carry on traditions. And your winter broccoli salad looks fab– glad yours isn’t heavy in mayo as I HATE mayo 🙂
Katy @ A Healthy Shot says
Cheddar on the turkey sandwich is genius!! I can’t get enough of the leftover cranberry relish, so this will be perfect for lunch tomorrow 🙂
Your tree is gorgeous!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
One of my favorite things about your recipes are how you can turn such simple foods (side of broccoli, for example) into unique dishes. Yum!
I don’t think we’re getting a tree this year 🙁 We’ll be out of town and I just don’t think it’s gonna happen!
Krystina says
I can’t wait to put our tree up next weekend. Yours looks great!
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
Your tree looks great! We are getting ours tomorrow. I love Christmas time!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Those nails are fabulous! Love that blue sky color.
My decor went up before Thanksgiving. I don’t think that’s a faux pas!
Amanda (Eating Up) says
I need to find a book to read soon! I have a lot of time in December for some pleasure reading which I’m really excited about!
Georgie @ Georgie Goes Healthy says
AH your tree is up and I am so jealous! I have actually been so busy making other dishes with my thanksgiving leftovers that I haven’t had a thanksgiving sandwich yet this year. I think I might have to wait until next year 🙁
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) says
Your tree looks great! Just a few more weeks until the holidays 🙂
Hannah says
I do love putting up the Christmas Tree and the ceremony of it all! Sadly this year I’m away when my housemate’s father is delivering out tree, so I’ll miss out. Yours looks beautiful!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat says
I’ll have to try this broccoli salad–I’ve got all the ingredients!
Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says
LOVE the tree! So cute!
ilana says
Your tree is so pretty! I saw trees at the farmer’s market this AM, and now I am thinking of going to get a little guy. I did buy some amazing aged goat cheese today and will be making a cheese sandwich post haste.
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul says
We had decided to forgo the tree this year, but this post makes me pine (pun intended) for a tree… Maybe we’ll have to rethink it.
Alaina says
Ooh, I love your Christmas tree! I put up ours today(it’s only 4 feet tall), had the apple cider candle going and the Sounds of the Season playing on our TV. I love this time of year!
Kiran says
Loved loved the tree and ornaments! So beautiful!
And the broccoli salad looks scrumptious! Yum!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
your tree is so pretty! we’re tackling that one tomorrow…wish me luck!
sassy molassy says
Aw, your tree is so pretty! I love it. We aren’t putting up a tree this year bc we’re flying back to Michigan to visit the manfriend’s family for a week. I kind of miss a tree already. Those turkey sandwiches look delish!
Mama Pea says
You got your blo-jo back (blogging mojo). Yay!
Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side says
Wow, it sounds like you just had the perfect evening. Your tree looks great! We’re getting ours Wednesday- I can’t waaaait 🙂 And YEAH on the chedda!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Your tree looks SO cute! 🙂
Love leftover turkey sandwiches. You can definitely taste good, pungent cheeses on sandwiches. Bleu, Swiss, and cheddar are my favs!
Laura (Starloz) says
woah, AWESOME tree!
your sandwich looks incredible
natalie @ http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ says
your tree looks beautiful 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
I love reading by the tree!! 😀
Your Christmas tree looks beautiful! 😀
Shannon says
Beautiful tree!
Lauren says
Glad you got the tree up this year. It looks beautiful! 🙂
As does dinner. So festive and delicious!
Simply Life says
what a beautiful tree and decorations!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
The tree is beautiful! I can’t wait to do mine!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Your tree looks so pretty! It’s making me excited to get ours, but we don’t usually get it until the week before Christmas! I don’t know if I can wait that long!
Felicity says
Cheddar paired with jam is awesome!
Samantha @ Bikini Birthday says
I prefer to wait until after December 1 to put up my tree. I don’t like to get into the spirit too soon.
Halley (Blunder Construction) says
Hahaha, you know, I kind of dislike teddy bears (as you once did), but seeing these silly bears on your blog has helped them to find a place in my heart! Of COURSE your tree-topped is one of the bears. Looks great!
Julie @ Honey B. Nutrition says
One of the downsides of not hosting Thanksgiving at your house is that you don’t get leftovers. They are so the best part. LOVE the walking after dinner idea!!
Mimi says
I love the bear “angel” atop the tree!
Kath says
Typo was fixed 1 minute after posting last night, but unfortunately Google Reader doesn’t update!
lindsay says
Love this post! Love the holidays 🙂
[email protected] says
Love Christmas time!!! Ya’ll did a great job decorating that tree!!
Kori says
Your tree looks terrific! I hope you’ve started off to a fabulous Monday!
Shannon @ A Better Me says
Your tree looks awesome! I love real Christmas trees! They smell so cozy 😀
Linda says
I love your Christmas tree!!!!!! =)
Amber K says
I hate it when I have those three choices. Dinner early or a big snack with a late dinner usually happens. I have definitely learned that a small snack, followed by more small snacks is just annoying!
Felicia (a taste of health with balance) says
gorgeous tree!
Katie says
I’m trying to work on that too, just have dinner when you feel like it instead of making yourself wait for a certain “dinner time” and then just feel unsatisfied.
Vanessa Nielsen says
Your tree looks absolutely gorgeous! Those sandwiches too. 🙂
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear says
Your christmas tree is very pretty! I’m not a big fan of Christmas in general so I we never have a tree 🙂 also, dinner looks delicious. It’s been a while since we last had a sandwich dinner!
Laura says
My in-laws have made the tradition of doing Thanksgiving turkey leftovers sandwiches on Thanksgiving night and it rocks my socks. There is nothing better than a Thanksgiving sandwich!
Dee says
Ooh, love your Christmas tree!
That sandwich and broccoli salad looks really good!
Jan says
Great tree!! And I really really like the tree skirt too! Is it just a red blanket of sorts?
Kath says
Yup! A red fleece blanket
Jan says
Cool! I love the landscapey feel it creates.
Beth says
Everything about this screams “Christmas is almost here!!!!” Love it.
Carrie Beth says
i LOVE the way you framed the chrismtas tree with the other pictures!!
Nancy says
I made the broccoli salad last night for supper using fresh broccoli from my garden. It was really good, so I took the rest of it with me to work for lunch today. While I was eating it I found 3 small worms in the salad so the rest went into the garbage. At least I didn’t find any 1/2 worms! Need to figure out a better way to get the worms out before eating my garden fresh broccoli.
Kath says
Oh my goodness!!