Young House Love

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What We Got Each Other This Christmas

Yup, it’s time for the annual gifts-we-got-each-other post. Allow me to do some voice exercises. Mimimimi. Ok. Onnn the first day of Christmassss, my true love gave to meeeee… well, we’ll get to that in a moment. In general we like to treat the holidays as an awesome time to spend with friends and family while being grateful for what we have, so it’s really not all about gifts at our house (people over things and all that). But our tradition is to make Clara a few handmade items – like her fridge and her latchboard – and then we get each other a few “tokens” of our affection (we usually spend around $100 on each other over a few different items, give or take). But before we get to those, let’s recap Clara receiving the play fridge that we made for her.

Present 1 Clara Walking To Kitchen

If you saw our Instagram pics on Christmas morning you already got a taste of how happy the bean was about what Santa brought her. Of all the stuff that we had set out for her that morning (we moved everything into the living room so it’d be near the tree to “open”) – the things she loved the most were the play eggs. Which makes sense, since she had specifically asked Santa for “eggs and ice cream.” No joke.

Presents Instagram

After about 20 minutes of play kitchen time, we migrated back over to the Christmas tree to see what else was in store for us. Note: about 70% of those presents were for or from friends/family members since we usually just exchange a few things each.

Presents 4 Christmas Tree

Clara ripped through a couple of gifts from other family members – stickers, markers, clothes, Legos, and a warm winter hat that she already calls her “pigtails” (thanks to those long braids on the sides).

Present 5 Clara Opening

And Burger got a bag full of his favorite bone treats among a few other tasty delights. He loves them so much he even got out of bed before noon for them. What a guy.

Presents 6 Burger

When the “kids” were sufficiently distracted by their bounty, Sherry and I took a moment to exchange ours. Sherry picked up on my recent declaration that I need new t-shirts and gifted me a nice stack of tees from Fab.com (my recent go-to source for them). I love Virginia, mazes, bikes, and NY, so it was pretty cool that they all had some meaning while still just being comfy T-shirts that made me want to hug my wife with gratitude for not buying me a tie.

Presents John Shirts

Sherry’s recently been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo (I’m 99% sure she’s just messing with me), so (you know, to mess with her back) I got her some temporary ones from Tattly just for fun.

Presents Tattoos On Table

I even threw in a kids’ monster pack for Clara to enjoy with us. That ended up being the biggest hit, and within a few minutes we were all sporting matching ink on our arms.

Presents Tattoos On Us

I also got her one of these porcelain cottage lanterns from Ballard Designs that she mentioned in her lady-gift roundup (they’re no longer available, but they’re similar to these). I got her the big one and my sister and mom got her the other two smaller ones. Could white ceramic buildings be the new white ceramic animal? Sherry cooed over them for a while, and now they live on our mantel so I’d venture to say they were a hit.

Presents Houses

Sherry’s very good at dropping specific hints (think emails entitled “think Santa knows that I love this?”) so I astutely picked up on the notion that she’d love this colorful pillow from House of Pillows on Etsy.

Presents Pillow

And last but not least, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Sherry getting some earrings. So I got her these emerald-colored ones from Kendra Scott (they look a little more teal in this picture than they are in real life). She loves that they’re giant and colorful and I love that they look like arrowheads. Everyone wins.

Presents Sherrys Earrings

The picture above is actually at my mom and dad’s house, where we moseyed over to after our small-family-present-opening activities wrapped up (Christmas pun!) at our place. Over there we had a casual Christmas lunch with my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, nephews, and even my aunt, uncle, cousins and their kids came down for the day from Northern Virginia. And yes, there was more present opening.

Presents Grammys Big Group

Clara’s favorite gift from “second Christmas” were these Make-A-Face stickers from her cousin Elsa.

Presents Grammys Face Stickers

It actually may be my new favorite present too, because watching the faces Clara puts together is HIGH-larious. Above you can see Sherry helping her with the placement of that first eye, but we soon learned that it’s far more fun to let her do it all. So we help her get the stickers off the sticker page, but the placement on the faces is all hers:

Presents Sticker Faces

But like any Christmas, the best part was the family time that we got to spend through it all. Here’s Clara clocking some quality girl time with her cousin Elsa.

Presents Grammys Playing With Elsa

And here we are after discovering that we were accidentally dressed somewhat similarly. Minus the fur boots.

Presents Grammys Matching Daddy

And perhaps the most amusing /unusual part of the day was the makeshift indoor playground that my dad set up in his garage to help keep all of the little kids occupied (there were 6 kids under the age five here, mind you) and out of the lunch-maker’s way in the house. As weird as it looks, it was a great way to let them burn off some energy (yes that’s a slow slide leading to an empty baby pool). So if ever you mistake us for being super classy or remarkably fancy, just remember this was part of our Christmas. And it was totally awesome.

Presents Grammys Garage

That was pretty much how our Christmas looked. And you already got the drill about Christmas dinner at our house on Monday.

Presents Dinner

So, how’d your holidays go? What did you give/get? Did any special family events occur (we learned two of our cousins are pregnant!) or were any new traditions started?

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

Comments

  1. Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage says

    Love the gifts! My husband and I didn’t exchange anything because we’re going on vacation in a couple of months (for the first time ever together!).

    I gotta say that it makes me a little sad you have to qualify every activity you do with Clara, reassuring us she’s safe doing whatever it is. Can we just agree you’re not endangering your kiddo at every turn? You’re letting the parenting police win with each side note!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Starr! Sometimes it’s just easier to explain things than answer a bunch of comment questions on the back end. We actually both thought in the pic it looked like there was water in the pool so we mentioned it :)

      xo
      s

    • Karen A. says

      Starr, I’ve often thought that, too, about the asides which ensure the reader that Clara is safe. And, you’re right, it’s really too bad. But, I read enough blog and online news article comments to know how vile people can be behind their keyboard, and so I can absolutely understand why they do it. They shouldn’t have to.

    • Jannell says

      I think the same thing every time I read an overly detailed explanation of how a project you’re doing isn’t endangering the lives of Clara/Burger or yourselves. Well mostly I feel bad, b/c I can only imagine some of the crazy comments/concerns you must hear! You guys seem way to nice for it, but I always loved Heather’s absurd sarcastic explanations of her reckless parenting ways when Lita was young =)

    • Rebecca @This Nest is Best says

      I agree with you Starr! But totally understand Sherry & John’s over-share after reading the longest Instagram thread I’ve ever seen on a pic Katie Bower shared of Will. My heart was breaking for her!

    • Jen says

      I also agree (and understand why the up-front explanations are easier than answering a bunch of nervous nelly questions). I swear, some people would have kids living in padded cells if they could for the sake of “safety.”

  5. Robin says

    Love the earings! Some of my most random gifts include socks, a roll of penguin designed blue duck tape, a photo of an eagle & some 3M hooks.

    Reply

  8. Dani says

    My husband gave me a signed copy of your book!! I love it so much! Also, my mom (who is a wood carver) took a picture of a butterfly that my 4 year old drew and carved it onto wood for me! Such a great Christmas!

    Reply

  11. Sarah says

    Christmas rocked! We got to tell my grandparents and my husband’s family that we’re having our first baby. :)

    Reply

  14. Annaliza says

    Yay! I’ve been waiting for this post. I have to say that when Sherry posted the gift list I put those earrings on my wish list in about 5 different colors. Now off to check out fab.com for the hubs :-)

    Reply

  15. Erin says

    “I’m so proud!” Good lord could she be anymore cute! Merry Christmas P family! Look forward to meeting you next week at your book signing in Fort Lauderdale!

    Reply

  16. Amelinda says

    I LOVE the video of Clara, she is so well spoken :) Weird question: how did you set up the camera to take the pictures of the faces Clara made? They don’t look like you just stood above them and took pictures, but they’re great! Also, it was a pretty great Christmas for me, I got engaged. Pretty much the best year ever.

    Reply

  17. Kristi -SIMPLEPRETTYTHINGS says

    Umm totally loving the make shift indoor playground for the kids! What a great idea!!! My daughter would totally love those face stickers! Our holiday was busy busy running around (and we had a very grumpy toddler)… but it was nice to see our families! Next year I want everyone to come here but I suppose that’s not very fair now is it?!

    Reply

  18. Karen F says

    awww, glad you all had a great Christmas! Thanks for sharing that video with us – very cute! I love Clara’s word “lasturday”, and think it should be a real word!

    So, did you go to John’s parents during the day, and then everyone came over to your place later for dinner?

    Also, it’s very sweet and awesome that John’s dad set up that play area in the garage. My parents have 9 grandkids (mine are 2 of the youngest) so they are kinda over doing things like that, although I wish they still did, like they did when the older grandkids were little! Now my mom has breakable items everywhere, and I’m constantly following my kids to make sure they don’t accidentally break one of Grandma’s things. The irony is that my mom broke a wine glass herself on Christmas!

    Reply

  19. Anika says

    It’s awesome getting to peek into the family part of your lives every so often – looks like christmas was a great success. I can’t believe how big clara looks in the video and all the pictures; where did the time go!? Also, I think I may have to try Sherry’s tactics of directly emailing “santa” a wish list, ha. Thanks for sharing with us Petersiks!

    Reply

  20. Chris Froberg says

    Love the sweet video of Clara – what a fun thing to cherish. We taped our Xmas morning with our 3 little ones (ages 5,3, and 1) – and they love to watch it already. You both are amazing parents – Clara is one lucky girl.

    Reply

  23. Heather says

    The video of Clara is adorable! I can’t get over how much she talks – she’s definitely the firstborn and not babytalked lol!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      The two black cabinets are just storage and they actually got a new stove and fridge for each other for the holidays, so those are waiting in the garage to be sold on Craigslist.

      xo
      s

  25. Debbie says

    We only exchanged one gift each this year, I got a new land rover (an upgrade to my older model range rover) & the BF got the maserati he wanted. we already knew we were getting these gifts since they had to be order well in advance & trucked/shipped in (literally) from other parts of the country/world. I wasnt actually supposed to get my rover until after the first of the year, but apparently it arrived early & i was surprised to find it in our driveway christmas morning w/ a big ol stupid bow on it (an inside joke since the BF knows how much i hate that), but he INSISTED to the point of throwing a hissy fit that we drive it to my family get together w/ the bow still on top. i relented since, even though the maserati was delivered for xmas, that is not a ND winter car so he just gets to park it in his fleet until summer. we were backing out of the driveway when another car coming from the other direction slams on its brakes & the driver jumps out waving his arms like a crazy person pointing to the roof of the rover because he was sure we left a present on the top of our car thanks to that damn bow. i was both mortified & vindicated.

    Reply

  27. Alexis says

    Not finished reading yet, but I love, love Clara’s pajamas. I wish that they were for grown-ups!

    I think it will be so great one day when Clara realizes the truth about Santa and realizes that you guys actually made the play kitchen and fridge for her.

    Reply

    • hjc says

      Alexis – Why would you need grown-up pajamas? From your picture, you’re obviously just a kid! :-)

    • Anya says

      That was my favorite part too! I definitely laughed out loud. Clara is just too cute. You must be proud parents, what an awesome kiddo!

  29. Lisa says

    You need to do a post specifically on John’s feet. His big toe is so separated from the rest of them. Note the first photo where he’s pointing to the refrigerator, and another post where he’s standing on the windowsill in your laundry room. It would make for some interesting reading. And then you could end it with him putting on some fur boots :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I call that his “parking space” – because there’s room for my big toe to park in there. The funny thing is that his best friend growing up had the same feet, so John 1) thought it was normal, and 2) theorized that it might have happened since they both wore flip flops a lot. Hahah!

      xo
      s

    • Kasey M. says

      My mom has the same “space” between her big toe and second toe and SWEARS it’s from wearing flip flops growing up. So, I was never allowed to wear them until I bought my first pair…in college. My family is crazy. And now I wear flip flops in the winter for quick things like getting mail or going to the car. I figure I’m making up for lost time.

    • Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

      I tried not to comment but I just can’t help myself! haha Seriously, I wrote a comment cancelled it, closed your blog and yet here I am again.

      Have to ask, does John know his big toe has been discussed?

      And, for the record, his toe is totally normal…maybe everyone else’s toes are off ;)

    • Erin says

      Oh no! I’ve lived in Florida, wearing flip flops my whole life and never thought anything about my feet. Now I’m having a toe complex after reading these comments!

    • Leah says

      I don’t think it’s just flip flops — it’s from not wearing constricting shoes. I either didn’t wear shoes as a kid or wore ones that were big for me (I still do this as an adult, much to the chagrin of shoe managers everywhere). I also did a lot of dance. Anyway, all my toes are pretty well spaced from this. If you give your toes room to spread out, they’ll spread out.

    • Lori Wojciechowski says

      My whole family has toes like this, so I always thought it was normal growing up. It wasn’t until college I learned it was not normal.

  30. Christy W. says

    Oh man, those Clara faces! THE best! I especially like Lady Lemon Cheeks and Not-so-sure Nelly (below Lemon Cheeks). And the video! Thanks so much for sharing this stuff. You guys are cool. Totes!

    Reply

  31. Ellen says

    Clara is too cute. I need to start using “lasturday” – that’s just so practical.

    (P.S. I’m already planning on giving Marc a play kitchen for Christmas next year and lining up the extended family to give him play food!)

    Reply

  32. Anna says

    So we already knew you loved to make up band names. It cracked me up to hear you come up with “Christmas Potato” and then introduce the band in the video!

    You guys rock! Happy New Year!

    Reply

  33. Virginia Ryan says

    Genius idea- I’m stealing that cardboard box, empty pool, slide thing. We have 5 cousins under age 4 plus 2 on the way and family gatherings are a little chaotic to say the least. Thanks for the idea guys! Also- got your book for Christmas, yay me!

    Reply

  34. jodi says

    looks like you had a wonderful christmas! clara is looking so grown up! such a cutie pie.

    random question: that gray chair is from joss & main, right? have you had trouble with the legs on it? i got the same one and the legs keep cracking. /sadface

    Reply

  35. Ciara says

    Haha I love that you immediately thought Potato Christmas could be a band name – especially after that blog post where you told us how you want to name a band!

    Reply

  36. Paul says

    Am I the only guy to comment here? Holding it down with you John :)

    My wife got me a drill press, I was super excited about that. Looking forward to using it on future projects.

    Reply

  37. Rachel says

    Omg that video of Clara is awesome!! Just watched it (twice) with my little guy on day 4 post tonsillectomy. It made his day. Also potato Christmas!

    Reply

  39. Gillian says

    Loving the home-made kitchen and those t-shirts! I gave my boyfriend an ornament that we could share, specific to this year we’ve had — hopefully a tradition that will continue forward :)

    Reply

  41. Britt says

    Please tell me those face sticker pictures are going to be framed in Clara’s big girl room. Those are amazing! I must buy those for presents now.

    Reply

  44. Sabrina says

    I didn’t realize how elegantly Clara speaks! Reminds me of my daughter. Trying to get my son (he’s almost 2) to speak like that. Right now he likes to tell you what sound a poop makes lol

    Reply

    • Christina says

      Are the stickers re-stickable? Does that even make sense? My son loves stickers, and he likes pealing them off the paper. I looked on Amazon, but didn’t see if you could re-use the stickers.

  47. Donna Jean says

    Proud Potato Christmas – I can just hear the Small Potatoes from Disney singing that now! So glad you all had such a great Christmas. Watching the kiddos enjoy it is definitely the best part. Clara is so polite and sweet. My 2 1/2 year old uses the word “probably” in pretty much the exact same way.

    Reply

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