Our Big Little Adventures: Christmas Traditions

Most of us grow up with Christmas traditions, whether we aim to or not. For Richard, traditions are something he holds on to tightly. As for me, I'm not quite as sentimental...I love to change routines and create new memories. Together though, we've had one thing in common all of our lives - Christmas in Texas. 2012 was the first year that we spent Christmas in a different state. A little anxious and unsure of what to expect, we packed our December calendar full of Christmas fun! New York City really is a magical place to be and you know what the best part was? It snowed on Christmas Eve while walking back to our apartment from our taxi. Truly like being in a movie....

...and then we had to take the dogs outside in the snow and cold. Ha! Our dogs tend to not...well, they don't really move in wet weather. They just stand there, shaking and giving us the most pitiful look ever. We have to walk them one block East and find scaffolding to walk them under. Pampered!

Pickle and Sundae - our little reindeer!

The night before Christmas Eve wasn't quite filled with the cheer we'd expected. After a long night of aches, pains and other flu-like symptoms, we both landed in the doctor's office the morning of Christmas Eve. The doctor led us both back to the same exam room and we took turns being examined. I giggled out of exhaustion...we looked like little kids sitting in the exam room together on Christmas Eve. We tested negative for strep and the flu - however, were told we had viruses. Richard's had started a few days prior, so he was no longer contagious. However, I was to avoid the elderly, young kids and pregnant women - you know...what most of what the Upper East Side consists of. In high spirits though with Christmas, we attend church service that night and enjoyed BBQ with friends just before the snow started coming down! It was such a blessing having friends in the city to celebrate with!

Christmas Eve Service at Apostles Church
followed by BBQ at Brother Jimmy's in Union Square with friends!

Despite my self-induced NyQuil coma on Christmas Eve, I woke bright and early on Christmas morning excited about presents. It typically takes a good four to five times of poking, hitting and then yelling at Richard to get out of bed. However, I simply said "It's Christmas morning! I'm excited about presents!"....and we were up. Later than night after presents, phone calls, breakfast and a very long nap, we ventured out to Central Park where the rest of the city was exploring (or escaping from family in their tiny apartments) on Christmas Day! We were also one of the few lucky ticket holders for the opening of Les Miserables that night at AMC. Along with our friend Kelly, we pushed through the crowds and got a pretty good seat in the movie theater. The movie was fantastic and great way end Christmas Day!

Belvedere Castle in Central Park on Christmas Day

Living in New York City on Christmas would be a waste if we didn't attend Broadway shows! Richard has a slight...ok, large obsession with A Christmas Story. When I first saw it advertised, I knew we had to see it! Being such a huge fan of the movie - Richard was quick to point out all the lines that were changed, scenes that were altered or cheesy songs that were added. LOL Despite himself though, I think he really enjoyed it! Much to my excitement, Richard surprised me with tickets to see Scarlett Johansson (one of my favorite actresses of all time) in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! The play was awesome. There are 0 scene changes in the 2 hr and 45 min play, but it was very intriguing and our seats were great!