CHRISTMAS MORNING SUNRISE (& UPDATE)

Hello there, and welcome to 2013 on my blog!

I always take some time off over December to immerse myself in the kids and the traditions of Christmas….it has been so nice. Over that time, we re-c0nnected with old friends and family, had a lot of rest, took the boys camping, celebrated two birthdays, organized a trip to Disneyland for Mckenna, organized a weekend with cousins for Anna, had everyone at our house for Christmas Eve, and hosted a NYE party turned hilarious tipsy dance party. I was also able to photograph newborn twins on New Years Day, and meet up for a last minute session with a repeat client at the beach. We ALSO cleaned out and re-organized our home office, which was a huge major undertaking.

WHEW!

I spoke here about wanting to make Christmas something …. more …. and less ….. this season. With older kids, we wanted to make something magic out of our time together that didn’t have as much to do with Jolly Ole Saint Nick and the presents he brings. We still wanted to offer them gifts, but we wanted to limit the amount and gift with some meaning and thoughtfulness. It became a puzzle/challenge for us to think of things that were simple, yet would be fun or surprising for them to open. We did a name swap with my family to save money and limit stress for everyone. I wanted to focus on giving with the kids, and we came up with something we could give everyone: homemade succulent planters. I had a plethora of second hand containers and soil, all it took was a trip to Home Depot for a flat of baby plants and some time with the kids choosing which succulents would go to whom, and in what container. They loved creating them and giving them, as did I. I am pretty sure everyone liked receiving them, too.

Another thing that was important for me to address was Christmas day itself – it was going to be the first time in years we would stay home all day, just us, and I wanted to make sure it was special. Jeff and I talked many times about many different ideas. But the one that stuck is pictured above.

These photos are from Christmas morning. We woke them up for a change, while it was still dark outside, at 5:45am. Jeff whispered, “Get dressed in warm clothes, and head quietly downstairs, we have a surprise for you.” As they got ready, I made hot chocolate and coffee in paper to-go cups. We piled into our cold car, listening to Christmas music as we drove. The streets were empty. It was dark. We drove to one of our favorite spots and walked up to the top of a hill that has 365 degree views of Orange County. You can see ocean, mountains, and everything in between. I handed out our warm drinks, laid out a blanket, and we watched the Christmas morning sunrise.

It was really, really special. I was overcome with emotion and joy in a way I haven’t been in a long time. I knew it was right, that it was needed, that they would get it. I had never woken up for a sunrise before in my life, and neither had the kids. We cuddled, drank our coffee and hot cocoa, took photos, and then when the sun had peeked above the mountains and the morning was all lit up, we drove home to see what Santa had left us.

I am enthusiastically looking forward into 2013, which professionally will (finally) bring the change to my brand, new blog formats and features, more travel sessions, and a new collaboration I am really thrilled and excited to be a part of. (It starts tomorrow! Come back in the morning for details.)

Personally, I hope 2013 will include more time with my favorite people, more learning and personal growth, more time outside, and duh – obvi: more good thrift karma.

–Tara