Two years ago we Christmased all over London and took a tour de Christmas markets throughout Europe. Last year we celebrated a bit in DC, Roanoke, and even New York City. This year we went for the small town feel, and boy does this small town know how to celebrate. It’s been a Beary Merry Christmas.
The whole town is decked out with lights, trees, parades, and even a “weather forecast” for “snow” every Friday. A few weekends ago we grabbed hot cocoa and lined up with just about every other New Berner to watch the floats, pee-wee football teams, mayor, and random bands parade by.
We can see this town tree right outside our kitchen window! Ben tried to opt for this to be “our” tree and we could just place our presents beneath it. I said absolutely not. It was off to find our own little Christmas tree. 
We found the perfect little one, with the emphasis on the word perfect. It’s just the right size to hold our minimal amount of ornaments, and I even got Ben on board to string the tree with the old-timey big bulb lights. It’s a beauty. 
After decorating the tree we heard music and commotion it the park beside our house. We walked over and to our surprise it was a boat parade! 
Above and below is me basking the all the fake snow glory. There was music, Santa, a fireplace, and Christmas carols so all was well in my heart.
This past week, we gained some roommates! Our dear friends, Anna and Eric, came to stay with us for the week. Time with them is always a breath of fresh air filled with long conversations over a drink of choice (tea, coffee, mulled wine). We fell right into rhythm while they were here. The boys woke up and shared breakfast long before Anna and I opened our eyes. While I worked, Anna studied, and we all reconvened over dinner and drinks. We are so thankful for their friendship and I have no idea how we would navigate this crazy season of life without them. 
This past Friday night was our Christmas Eve. With Christmas socks and pajamas on we sipped hot cocoa and watched a marathon of Christmas films. It truly felt like Christmas Eve.
CHRISTMAS MORNING! Our celebratory peanut butter banana french toast made another grand appearance with Christmas carols in the background. After breakfast, we took turns opening gifts before spending the day outside (it decided to be in the 70s) walking around downtown and grabbing a cup of coffee.
It’s been fun each year to celebrate our own little Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the two of us. It’s looked wildly different these past few years from big cities, living abroad, and small towns, but each year brings new traditions and sweet memories.
Ben deserves husband of the year award for his Christmas spirit. I’ll Christmas any day with him.
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