Being that this is my first Christmas on my own, I couldn’t help but sift through old pictures from Christmases past. To my family & friends out in California (and abroad): I love you all and hope that you all have an amazing Christmas! Wishing I could be with you all on my most favorite holiday of the year, but I’m sending love and positive thoughts your way.
Check out some of these pictures from the last few Christmases:
Prepping Christmas dinner with Nana, 2006
Mimi’s 1st Christmas with us — one of our Christmas gifts to Nana.
The reindeer ears didn’t stay on for very long, but it was a cute idea! 2006.
Chris & I at Tara and Greg’s on Christmas Eve, 2007.
Lots of wine & seven fishes. Mmmm.
With Nanu & Nana, 2007, when the whole family was still together <3.
Only two years ago, but Alyssa was so tiny!
Mac & I, Christmas 2008 at the McDonald house!
Mom & Dad, Christmas 2008.
I always have such amazing memories from Christmas and although I don’t get to be with my family, I did get a special surprise in the form of an early morning Skype session with the fam and with Chris — definitely a good way to start off Christmas day! I’m having some folks over for Christmas breakfast/brunch and coffee before we go out and explore the quiet streets of London (something that can only happen once a year!)
Here’s a song/video that always puts me a good Christmas mood; definitely a classic!
To everyone reading:
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
To my grandpa, who’s no longer with us — wish you could be here, but you’ll always be here in spirit. Inhobbok hafna.
The Traveling Scholar 
Posted by Auntie Doris on December 28, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hi Shannon,
Glad that you’re getting along very well…Wishing you the most amazing 2010 ever. Stay warm (I know it’s hard to do in the UK). Stay healthy and be happy.
Love always,
aunite D
Posted by ShannonElizabeth on December 29, 2009 at 7:30 am
Aunt Doris!
Good hearing from you! I’m doing my best to stay warm and I’m fighting off a nasty cold before classes start again. I can’t believe it’s already been 3-1/2 months! Where does the time go?! I’ll be seeing you before I know it!