December 2025

 

A Birthday, Christmas Traditions & A Minnesota Winter

This season felt especially full — the kind that blends celebrations, traditions, and meaningful time together in the best way.

Marissa’s 19th Birthday in Tampa

We celebrated Marissa turning 19 in Tampa, and it’s hard to believe how quickly the years are flying by. Nineteen feels like such a milestone — full of independence, growth, and new adventures ahead.

Spending the day celebrating her in the city made it even more special. Whether it was dinner, laughter, or just being together, it was one of those birthdays that felt joyful and meaningful all at once. Watching her step confidently into this next year of life is such a gift.

Dickens on Centre in Amelia Island

We also made our way to Amelia Island for the annual Dickens on Centre Christmas festival — and it truly felt like stepping back in time.

The streets were filled with Victorian costumes, carolers, twinkling lights, and festive cheer everywhere you looked. There’s something magical about small-town Christmas events — slower paced, nostalgic, and full of charm. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit as a family.

Our Annual Family Cookie Baking Day

One of my favorite traditions every year is our annual cookie baking day. Flour on the counters, Christmas music playing in the background, and everyone pitching in — it’s a little messy but a lot of fun.

There’s something so special about traditions that stay the same year after year. The recipes may be familiar, but the memories are always new. It’s not just about the cookies — it’s about being together, laughing, and creating moments that we’ll talk about for years.

Christmas Break in Minnesota

We wrapped up the season with Christmas break in Minnesota. A true winter Christmas — chilly air, cozy nights, and that peaceful feeling that only snow seems to bring.

Time away together, unplugging from the usual routine, and simply enjoying family made it such a refreshing and meaningful way to end the year. Minnesota at Christmastime has a way of slowing everything down and reminding you what really matters.

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From a 19th birthday milestone to festive traditions and snowy Christmas memories, this season has been full of gratitude. It’s amazing how the simplest moments — a festival stroll, a cookie baking day, a winter getaway — become the ones that mean the most.

Here’s to holding tight to traditions, celebrating big milestones, and making space for the memories that matter most. ❤️