Just like that, another Christmas has come and gone.

I’ve been a little MIA lately, and although I missed writing, cooking, and the wonderful blogging community, I’d be lying if I told you it hasn’t been fantastic to disconnect for a while.

Sure, the disconnecting wasn’t planned, per se, but now that our computer has a new hard drive (and most of my food photos were lost 🙁 ), I can get back into the swing of things for the new year.

Wait, what?!! Not only is Christmas over, but it’s almost 2014!!! The year of the big THIRTY.

But before I get into rehashing third life crises and discussing goals for the new year, let’s talk about how wonderful Christmas was this year!

Last Saturday (the 21st), we went to the Christmas parade downtown. Go figure, it was so hot and humid, that I found myself standing next to a man in seersucker shorts! It was entertaining, though.

My mother also hosted her family Christmas party. While there was a bit of unnecessary drama (for the first time in well over 30 years), it was nice to visit with family I don’t often see, especially my cousin who drove in from Atlanta as a surprise. (Apparently almost-30 isn’t too old to sit in my dad’s lap. 🙂 )

After a thankfully-fast (and frigid!) day at work Monday, Mark and I ate some dinner at Heroes before driving to Bellingrath Gardens (as per tradition) to see the Christmas lights. It was quite chilly but not as crowded as last year, so we had a great time.

Tuesday morning I went to the only Bikram class of the day at the studio; it was a fantastic—and crowded—class. Mark and I cleaned the house before Mama and Papa Miele arrived. We quickly piled into the car and drove out to my parents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner and to open presents. Luckily we didn’t have to drive home between lines of heavy t-storms and tornadoes like last year!

Since we’d be on the road Wednesday, we opened most of our presents (in our Christmas PJs! 🙂 ) in front of our tree on Christmas Eve.

Christmas day we drove to Grannie’s in Bay St. Louis. We stopped in Biloxi to pick up Mark’s uncle, whom I’ve never met and who has only recently reconnected with the family, on the way. (And, because we’re crazy, we didn’t take any pictures! 🙁 )

As per usual, there was an endless supply of delicious food. We contributed some cheese and crackers and my go-to hors d’oeuvre, cherry tomatoes with fresh basil and goat cheese, and also dined on some home-made pâté. As skeptical as I am about spreadable meat (!!!), it was actually quite tasty (plus I suppose I’ve now knocked off “trying 3 new foods” on my 30 Before 30 list).

For dinner, we enjoyed Beef Wellington, roasted butternut squash, green beans amandine, mirliton dressing, crab-stuffed eggplant, potatoes au gratin, mixed greens salad with dried cherries, gorgonzola, and vinaigrette, and of course plenty of wine. All of this for 6 people!! Needless to say, we took lots of leftovers home—after also indulging in a homemade trifle and petit fours that we ordered from Pollman’s (a local bakery).

We opened our presents and enjoyed each other’s company before driving back home. I really enjoyed the scenic drive along Beach Boulevard through the little towns along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I just love the old oak trees and beautiful historic homes!

Thursday we grabbed some lunch at Crockmier’s (I was craving some French onion soup) and went to the movies to see American Hustle. It was a good movie, and I was impressed with the acting. Later that night, my parents came over to help us put a dent in some of the leftovers.

On Friday the in-laws drove into New Orleans for a wedding, so we puppy-sat all four dachshunds (!!!). We grabbed some lunch at Panini Pete’s and saw Dallas Buyers Club (good movie and acting—especially from Jared Leto—but I didn’t think it measured up to all the hype). Later Friday night the rain decided to arrive, so we spent all Saturday holed up in the house, lounging around with the dogs.

The worst part about the holiday is how quickly it passes! Thank goodness we still have tonight and tomorrow to enjoy our time off. Enjoy these last few days of 2013, friends!