December always seems to fly by in the loveliest blur, and before I properly step away for a short break, I wanted to share a few of the Christmas moments we’ve enjoyed recently.

First, we hosted a Christmas Open House for our neighborhood. We put it out there, hoped some people would come, and cleaned up the house. Well, it honestly turned out better than I hoped with neighbors eating (everyone brought a dish to share and the spread was delicious), drinking, and mingling. I enjoyed some great conversations and hearing the laughter and chatter echo through the house warmed my heart. I feel called to pour more into local community and this felt like a win for that goal.

However, I didn’t manage a single picture of the party itself, just the set up. The girl hosted the kids downstairs and were in charge of the snack and drink set up in “the Grinch” room and I thought they did a pretty cute job!

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David and I also attended a work party for him at The AC Hotel in Greenville, home to the very festively decorated Juniper. We had a drink and an app there before heading to the party, where it was nice to catch up with familiar faces. David looked handsome and all, but how about my glamour shot with Buttercup?!

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In around the house happenings, Star the Elf has been hanging around with us, watching from new perches and bringing a few goodies like advent calendars and new Christmas books to enjoy. The chickens have been enjoying evening free range playtime and gifting us eggs, sometimes 3-4 a day! David is also working on building a shed, which seems to be coming along nicely. The kids have been finishing up homemade presents, wrapping up math, and building fire with friends in the yard to pop popcorn kernels over. Finley has been enjoying walks in the woods and hovering around my feet in the kitchen. I’ve been busy prepping to host Christmas, which apparently includes washing windows and cabinets judging by my behavior yesterday.

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We’ve been soaking up the season in all the simple ways that make it feel special — cozy evening movies, twinkly lights, and plenty of time spent together. There’s something about slowing down just a touch in December that makes even the smallest traditions feel meaningful.

If you’re still looking for a few last-minute gift ideas, I’ve linked my ShopMy with things I genuinely love and have gifted (or would happily receive myself). It’s a great mix of thoughtful, easy wins if you’re still ticking a few things off your list.

👉 You can find that here: Brittany’s ShopMy Shelves

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Our Christmas Hosting Menu

(22nd–26th December)

We’ll be hosting family from the 22nd through the 26th, so I wanted the food to feel festive but manageable — comforting, make-ahead where possible, and flexible enough for relaxed days together. The menu is a blend of Stathas family traditions, favorite foods, and requests.

December 22 – Arrival Day
Easy, welcoming, and low-effort. Everyone will arrive after lunch, so it’s just dinner.
– Supper: David’s Famous Chili, cornbread and Fritos, a big seasonal salad, and Christmas cookies

December 23 – Christmas Eve Eve
Cozy and festive without being too heavy.
– Breakfast: bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, eggs, cantaloupe, oranges
– Lunch: Chicken No Noodle soup (a variation of this recipe) , tomato soup, sourdough, Swiss cheese, ham, chips, dip
– Supper: Easy Lasagna, Garlicky Green Beans, Focaccia Bread with olive oil and balsamic

December 24 – Christmas Eve
Perfect for lingering around the table.
– Breakfast: bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, eggs, cantaloupe, oranges
– Lunch: Chicken No Noodle soup (a variation of this recipe) , tomato soup, sourdough, Swiss cheese, ham, chips, dip
– Supper: snack plate of summer sausage, Swiss cheese, crackers, onion dip, cut veggies, and olives. The main event will be our traditional Seafood Gumbo (a variation of this recipe) over buttered rice.

December 25 – Christmas Day
Classic, comforting, and shared slowly.
– Breakfast: French Toast Casserole, Sausage and Egg Casserole (x2)
– Lunch: Leftovers and Snacks
– Supper: Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Carrots, Dinner Rolls — plus dessert, which I’m fairly certain I will outsource from Swamp Rabbit Cafe

December 26 – Boxing Day
Low-key and relaxed before everyone heads home.
– Reinvented leftovers (sandwiches, salads, or a simple pie)
– Coffee, tea, and leftover treats

Nothing overly complicated — just festive food designed to be shared and enjoyed. We are a family of helpers, so we always have a bustling kitchen with many helping hands, which I cherish. Is it chaotic? Yes. But that’s part of the coziness, right?!

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Taking a Little Break

With Christmas now here, I’ll be taking a short break until the New Year. I’m really looking forward to a slower pace, proper rest, and being fully present with family.

Thank you, as always, for being here, for reading, and for sharing this little corner of the internet with me. I hope your Christmas is filled with warmth, good food, and moments that feel just right for you.

I’ll see you in the New Year ✨