All was Merry and Bright.

Just like that, Christmas has come and gone. Ours was a lovely, albeit low-key, one. Can I tell you a little secret? This is the fifth Christmas Hugh and I have spent at home having a celebration of two. While we love our families and a big, noisy celebration, we really love having Christmas at home. We've spent the last six years taking the traditions we grew up with and making them our own, and adding some new ones to the mix.

Christmas Eve almost edges out Thanksgiving for my favorite day of the year. After a 7am trip to the grocery store (mission: beat the crowds, accomplished), this is what our day looked like:

Bagel Melts, a breakfast favorite around this place.

Skyping with Hugh's Dad, who currently resides in Dubai for work:

And then there was the baking. Pumpkin Cupcakes, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, and Cinnamon Rolls:

And, our favorite Christmas Eve tradition, lobster dinner!

Christmas morning was breakfast and champagne and delivering cinnamon rolls to our neighbors:

This year, Hugh and I didn't exchange gifts. Mainly because visits to veterinary specialists don't come cheap. And while in the scheme of things it wasn't a big deal, it was a bit of a bummer not to have a pile of presents to share. Instead, we just reminded ourselves how happy we are this little buddy is slowly (fingers crossed) on the mend:

Could there be a cuter Christmas present?

And, on Sunday it snowed! Snow just doesn't get old for these Florida kids:

A husband who always takes the dog out, even in the snow?! He's a keeper.

In the end, it was another lovely weekend spent with my very favorite person. As someone who spends a good deal of my time analyzing every decision and plan I make, I'm continuously surprised that in my life with Hugh I know I am right where I'm supposed to be. Gifts or no gifts, a full house or only the two of us, I'm just happy he's mine:

I hope your holiday weekend was a delight. Only a few more days left in 2010!