Every year, as both of our families grow, more and more events come up for the holiday season.  I feel like this year was extra busy with family and friends – which is why we wouldn’t have changed a single thing!  Here’s how our holidaze went down…

Christmas Eve was the traditional party at my great aunt’s house in Magna.  We have the same Santa come every year after our traditional dinner of ham, rolls, and salad.  When the kids in the family graduate from high school they no longer get a gift from Santa at the family party.  However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t still give Santa a little love.  I, on the other hand (no pun intended), got a little extra love from Santa this year.  Please notice how low his hand is on my “hip”.

Then it was off to my Grandpa’s house for our Christmas PJ’s.

Christmas morning Zach and I spent some time exchanging gifts with each other.  We both got more than we could have hoped for.  I am so grateful for Zach and all the thought he puts into my Christmas gifts.  He was surprised by what I got for him as well and we were both so excited to test out our new swag.

We then made our way to my parents’ house to exchange gifts and see what Santa left in our stockings.

After our brief visit to T-Ville, my whole family met back at my Grandpas to give him his presents and eat our traditional Christmas lunch.  My grandpa got “unmentionables” in his stocking and was dazzled by the prospect of looking like the model on the packaging.

My mom’s favorite gift from my cousin – it couldn’t have been more spot on!

Zach was ecstatic when he received a new hockey bag from my aunt and uncle.  That excitement soon turned to curiosity.  Blake and Zach were more interested in if I could FIT into the hockey bag.  Turns out the Pollocks’ gift doubles as a body bag.  The gift that keeps on giving.

Our last stop with my family was at my Grandma’s house (just two streets away).  We gave her the gifts we had picked out for her and visited with some family members we don’t see too often.  Then we were off to Ogden to spend the rest of the day with the Hendersons.

We ate a delicious dinner [I could eat a dozen of Jeanene’s homemade rolls by myself] and then the grandchildren got to open their gifts.  31 people [18 mini people] in one living room opening presents all at one time.  It was basically a whirlwind of wrapping paper, squeals of delight, and sword/gun sound effects.  These kids are so much fun, and it just gets me so excited to celebrate Christmas with our children someday.  The adults exchanged gifts as well, along with a scavenger hunt for our gifts from Mark and Jeanene.  It was such a blast and such a creative way to give a gift, we loved it!

Our families are so good to us.  We are overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness that of our parents and other family members showed us – thanks for making Christmas so amazing each year, we love you all!

The day after Christmas was back to business.  The only bright light at the end of my work tunnel was the fact that I was meeting once again with my family to see Les Mis down at the District.  We all ate dinner at Applebees and then raced over to the theater to take our seats.  I have seen the musical a handful of times – it is by far my favorite Broadway production.  I have been looking forward to this movie since the release of the first trailer [at which I bawled my eyes out].  I couldn’t have been more pleased.  Zach had never seen the musical and even enjoyed the movie – all three hours of it.

Along with Les Mis there was another premier I was looking forward to:  the final episode of Downton Abbey’s third season.  I laughed, I teared up, and then I was really upset.  I don’t dare ruin it for anyone – I am distraught enough as it is.  It was a great way to pass the time at work, however.

Thursday was our last family event – the Fotheringham Family Christmas Party.  We had a taco bar, played games, and visited with all of my extended family.  We also had a wonderful family photo op.

No words.  The snowflake on my father’s head says enough.  Also, Zach won this fantastic hat as a prize, which he was elated about.

Friday after work, my boss gave Zach and I his tickets to the Jazz game last minute!  They played the Clippers and I was elated because I got to see one of my favorite NBA players, Mr. Paul himself, and obviously Lamar.  I still love everything Kardashian, I just can’t deny it.

Saturday, I met up with a friend who is home for the holidays from Memphis.  Emily and her husband Trent met up with Zach and I for lunch at the Blue Lemon.  It was so great to catch up with them and visit!

On our way out of City Creek after lunch, I spotted a familiar face and had to stop her and say hello.  A couple of friends [thank you Chelsea and Melinda] introduced me to Natalie’s [of Nat the Fat Rat] blog a while ago.  I have been intrigued ever since.  She is a blogger who lives in New York, visiting Salt Lake City for the holidays.  Super stalker-ish of me, but it was so fun to meet her and chat with her for a brief moment!  She is even teeny tinier in person…

After helping family and running errands I met up with some of my friends later for a brief Girls’ Night.  We got pedicures down town and then ate dinner at Trio.  Alison even joined us, who was in town from New York for the week.  No amount of time ever feels like enough with them.

 This time of year makes me so grateful for what Zach and I have:  families that we love, friends we adore, and our Savior.  We hope you all had the happiest of holidays, and we can’t wait to see what the new year brings!