Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Eve, The Morning, The Day: Christmas 2010


Merry Christmas!  

I hope you are having the most wonderful day and I hope this day is being filled with love, happiness, and of course, lots of delicious moments. 

Our Christmas has been truly remarkable.  

Yesterday, I had to go into work for a few hours on Christmas Eve.  It wasn't bad really, but I still had so much to get done and not a lot of time. 


Natures Path Waffles with Honey Chobani, Berries, Pom and Maple Agave 


I left work and ran a few quick errands and was home in time to make a speedy lunch for Toly and I. 

Salad with tomatoes, olives, beets, pickles, cucumber, hummus and balsamic

With a side of toast and hummus with balsamic glaze

After lunch, I got to work in the kitchen, putting together all of my contributions for the Christmas celebration.  You'll see those in a second. 

We then headed out to church around 4:30pm. 


As soon as the service ended, we made our way to our most favored restaurant in the city, Bricco.  Toly and I usually spend all of our special occasions at this place.  Anniversaries, celebration dinners, and last night, it was Christmas eve.  


I started with a glass of Zin and then got up to use the restroom.  When I got back, it appeared that Santa had made a little visit because there was a small box sitting on my napkin. 


Sneaky Toly snuck my present into the meal.  Diamond earrings!  Which came at a total surprise.  I really wasn't expecting anything nor would I ever think he would be so generous with the most beautiful 1/2 carat princess cut diamond studs.  I love them! 

For dinner, we split the White Clam Pizza.  Bricco is known for their pizza so it's rare that we don't order one whenever we go. 


I chose the Sweet Potato Ravioli which was absolutely incredible!!!  I've had this once before and remembered it being one of the best things I've ever ate.  Again, it held it's status.  


 And per usual, Toly ordered his signature dish, strozzapreti.


For dessert, we split the espresso poached pear with a walnut coffee cake.


Such a fantastic dining experience as always!  We ended the wonderful night by coming home, crawling in bed and turning on It's a Wonderful Life as we fell asleep.  It couldn't have been any better. 

This morning, I slept in for the first time in a very long time.  7:00am seemed like a lifetime and such a treat to actually get well deserved rest. 

The rest of the family was up shortly after and got ready for everyone to arrive to start the festivities.  

If I didn't get a single present this year, it would have been okay, because I had this little love which was really everything I could ever ask for! 


 He came all bundled in his new Christmas outfit from aunt Lauren.


We spent the morning opening gifts and took a break to dig into the famous O'Neil Christmas breakfast.  

My contribution this year was a Baked Cranberry French Toast.  It was excellent! 




 The man behind the food!


My plate had eggs, french toast and berries

We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon in the pleasant company of each other. 



After awhile, it was time to eat again.  I don't think anyone was really that hungry, but it's kind of just what you do on Christmas, so we all did our duties and broke out the next round.

 I made a Spinach and Crab Dip. 

And Apricot Brie wrapped in Crescent 


More food!! 


I nibbled on some veggies and dip and tons of fruit.  Not sure if I'll be hungry again but I know where to find plenty of leftovers. ;) 

What a day.  What a truly amazing day.  I love my family and I love our Christmas traditions.  I especially loved having Weston to share this with this year.  Christmas is and has always been a huge deal in our family and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

However you spent the day, I hope it was noting less than perfect.  Wishing you all the most wonderful blessed Christmas. 



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14 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas Lauren. Don't forget to call us when you and Toly head to Bricco again! We're always up for Bricco!

    Dave Mac - Lisa's husband

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  2. Merry Christmas!! Looks like you had some amazing food this holiday. Especially the french toast! Where did you get the recipe??

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  3. Merry Christmas! Always good to celebrate this holiday with family and good food! That french toast looks amazing!

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  4. What a sweet sweet husband you have! Those earrings are going to look gorgeous on you!

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  5. I just found your blog and I love it! Your little nephew's face is just priceless! Too cute!

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  6. What a wonderful holiday! I loved seeing that you and your man got to share a special dinner...I think this is so important! And your earrings sound amazing! What a great guy :-) I hope you and your family continue to have a bright and joyful Christmas weekend. I’m thankful that I found you…your recipes, words and sweet comments bring me so much joy. Many blessings!

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  7. Merry Christmas to you and your family!! So sweet that Toly surprised you...my dad gave me a beautiful bracelet out of nowhere too and I love it. So much nicer when it's unexpected!

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  8. oh yum - those waffles look amazing! Looks like you had a good Christmas!

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  9. Merry Christmas, Lauren! Your generous spirit just shines right through in this post. Looks like you had a wonderful holiday! And Toly is so cute and sneaky with those earrings :-)

    Hope you have a great day, love!

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  10. I'm glad you've had a great time, Lauren!
    I bet dinner with Toly and quality time with the family was just what you needed :D
    Hope you're having a great December 26th!
    xoxo

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  11. I see your comments....everywhere in the sphere. You are so giving :)

    The post you wrote melts me. Kids and family are what it's all about. But the spin/crab dip and the desserts look fabulous too :)

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  12. Looks like a really wonderful Christmas! I love the story about Toly sneaking in the earrings! What a loving family you have, and wonderful food as well!

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