Stuff, Things, etc.: Christmas Break part 1

It's really weird for me to say that perhaps we don't have a whole lot of Christmas traditions in our household. Growing up, all I had were traditions and I miss that a lot. However, I can make my case here by saying that no two Christmases have ever been the same in the 7 years Scott and I have been together. This year and last year were probably the most similar.

The first year we were dating, we celebrated with my family and then his family in Pennsylvania. In 2009, he was in Afghanistan and I was in Alaska. In 2010, we were both in Alaska. In 2011, I was in Pennsylvania and he was in Afghanistan. In 2012, we both went to Pennsylvania. In 2013, we were stationed in Missouri and drove home to Pennsylvania. Last year, we stayed here and used the time off to work on the house and just relax. This year, since Scott just took command two weeks ago, we opted not to leave. Just more time to work on the house and relax, which is kind of nice.

So that's why we don't have giant over-arching Christmas traditions that define us. And that's okay. Because I have very unique memories of each year. Which is how I can remember them all so well, in case you were wondering. Also, I have a really good memory.

I have been trying to take a lot of pictures though, just to document what we've been up to.

Lots of walks and laying in the snow to cool off.

My map from last Christmas is finally framed and on the wall.

These cookies. You should make them.

Some woe-is-me pouting when left behind from a hunting trip.

I do make this artichoke dip almost every Christmas. Maybe that's a tradition.

I helped Scott frame the basement for dry-wall.

Our tree is our tradition. We've had it since 2010 when our then-neighbors gave it to us because they were moving. It's a pain to set up and string the lights on, but I don't think I'll ever get rid of it.