I had such a wonderful Christmas holiday week, and I hope you did too! Here’s a recap of our festive celebrations:

December 23rd: Starting Our Christmas Traditions

Nathan and I kicked off Christmas on December 23rd with our tradition of a nice dinner out. This year, we went to Seventh South Craft Food and Drink, enjoying a delicious meal together. Once we got home, it was time for the babies to open their stockings.

The stockings are simple—just catnip and tissue paper—but our fur babies absolutely love them! Pictured from left to right, clockwise: Berlioz, Ortensia, Calliope (Fuzz), Mochi, and Thalia (Little).

Olivia, who is still a bit shy around the others, did come out to play with her stocking, which was a heartwarming moment.

I couldn’t resist capturing a video of them playing. Watching their excitement always feels like one of the highlights of our holiday season..

After the stockings, Nathan and I exchanged gifts. The standout present this year was tickets to the Tournament of Champions event at the Miami Wine and Food Festival. I’m so excited about this adventure—we’re going to have an amazing time!

Christmas Eve: A French Feast

Christmas Eve is always a big event for us. Nathan and I spent the day preparing a themed dinner for our families. This year’s theme was French, inspired by the elegant tradition of “Le Réveillon.”

Our family gathered around the table, beautifully set in the French formal style. Each place setting included a printed menu and a postcard from Santa. In France, every letter sent to Santa receives a reply, and I wanted to bring that charming tradition to our dinner.

Here’s a look at our menu, featuring five courses with wine pairings:

1. L’Apéro: Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Blinis, Goat Cheese and Sour Cherry Blinis, served with a Christmas Ruby French 75 cocktail.
2. Potage: Silky Chestnut Soup.
3. Le Plat Principal: Duck à l’Orange Airelles, Maple Butternut Squash Purée, and Haricots Verts Amandine.
4. Fromage: A selection of French cheeses.
5. Le Dessert: Mulled Wine Pear Tarte Tatin.

The meal was a huge success—everything was delicious, and it felt so special to share this experience with our loved ones. Pictured at the table, starting on the left and going clockwise: Nathan’s family (Anita, Chris, and Dennis) and my family (Frank and Connie). Nathan, of course, was still hard at work in the kitchen when this photo was taken!

Christmas Day: Family Time

On Christmas day we started with bunch at my parents house and then dinner at Nathan’s parents. It was just a great and relaxing day with family. Pictured is Nathan opening a box if teas from Santa with his dad and brother looking on.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas week was filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. From our cozy traditions at home to the grand French dinner and quiet family moments, it was everything I could have hoped for. I’d love to hear how you celebrated your holidays—what made your week special?

As we celebrate the most magical time of the year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being part of this journey with me. Your support, kindness, and shared love for the holiday season mean the world to me.

I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, laughter, and the special moments that make this season so memorable. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or simply savoring the peace of the season, may your heart be full and your days merry and bright.

Here’s to the traditions, the magic, and the love that Christmas brings. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and wonderful New Year!

With love and holiday cheer,
Nicole Black

he holiday season is in full swing, and we are having a wonderful time celebrating! I hope your holidays are just as joyful. If you’ve been following along on Facebook, you’ve seen our 12 Dates of Christmas unfolding—it’s been such a fun way to embrace the season together.

One of our favorite traditions is getting a picture with Santa every year. We always try to make it part of a special Christmas trip. This year, we visited St. Augustine and found a wonderful Santa to capture our holiday memory.

Another cherished tradition is selecting our “official” ornament of the year. During our trip to Las Vegas, we picked out this year’s ornament. While it doesn’t have the city’s name on it (we didn’t love those styles), it still brings back memories of our adventure every time we see it on the tree.

In the five days leading up to Christmas, we exchange Little Tree presents. These small, often holiday-themed gifts are a fun way to extend the gift-giving and add an extra layer of excitement to our celebration. It’s always such a treat to unwrap something thoughtful each day!

Of course, no holiday season would be complete without festive parties. We recently hosted my team from work and their significant others for a fun evening filled with games and laughter—it was such a great time!

We also love exploring local holiday markets and events to soak up the Christmas spirit. We have a few more on the calendar before the big day, and we’re so excited to keep the holiday magic alive.

Here’s to a season filled with joy, love, and lasting memories. Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

Last weekend, we took our annual Christmas trip, and this year’s destination was truly magical—St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Renowned for its charm and rich history, St. Augustine transforms into a holiday wonderland during the Night of Lights, an event celebrated for 30 years and ranked among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic.

From the moment we arrived, the Christmas spirit was everywhere. We stayed at the Victorian House Bed and Breakfast, a cozy and beautifully decorated retreat right in the heart of town. Every detail, from the twinkling garlands to the charming porch where we sipped wine while watching horse-drawn carriage tours pass by, felt like stepping into a Hallmark Movie.

One of the best parts of our stay was how convenient everything was. The B&B’s central location meant we could walk to all the attractions, restaurants, and holiday events. And there was plenty to see and do!

We explored the San Sebastian Winery and St. Augustine Distillery, both offering a fun mix of history, tastings, and festive flair.

We also browsed the Holiday Market at the Lightner Museum, cheered on the Christmas Parade, and marveled at the dazzling lights during a Night of Lights Carriage Ride Tour through Old Town. The carriage ride was a highlight—a perfect evening made even better by a fantastic guide who shared stories and pointed out hidden gems along the way.

St. Augustine’s dining scene didn’t disappoint either. We discovered countless excellent restaurants, each offering their own twist on holiday-themed cocktails and dishes. From festive drinks to cozy atmospheres, every meal added to the holiday magic.

If you’re looking for a Christmas town experience, I can’t recommend St. Augustine enough. Between the sparkling lights, lively events, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect destination to embrace the holiday season.