The night before.


Christmas eve is almost always better than the main event. Quieter, simpler, dare I say more holy, or special or what have you? I dreaded Christmas this year. No cards, no presents, no holly jolly or bowl full of jelly. At the 11th hour, Pete Seeger carols saved the day. I fell asleep looking at the tree for the first time in who knows how long. The candles burned down.
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Our tree was nearly empty this year. Tokens and toothbrushes and the like. I bought pretty beeswax tapers and Micha decorated the mantel. We ate our traditional dinner in the living room, but were too full from 5 types of cheese to even touch the lobsters.  Seeing my parents snuggle and slow dance was the only present I really cared about, anyways. 

Hoping your holidays were filled with love and warmth.
at 6:45 PM

34 comments:

  1. My family and I moved Christmas morning to Christmas Eve, and we love it! We're not rushing, we can eat pie, and we play board games late into the night. Your Eve looked like it was quite lovely, thank you for sharing!

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  2. This year was unusual for me, as well. I'm seeing my family after Christmas, for the first time ever. No snow. Very limited funds for gifts.

    These photos are so cozy. I love that the mantel is so lushly decorated.

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  3. This ones looks so holy beautiful. Wish I had such christmas days.

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  4. It seems yours was the perfect Christmas, one filled with loving, shared memories. You are wise beyond your years to treasure such moments with your parents.

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  5. Gorgeous photos. I agree about Christmas eve, its much more sentimental and solemn.

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  6. ...The third photo evokes so many feelings. Beautiful.

    ...And I totally agree, Christmas Eve holds so much for me too. It's that magical, silent, spiritual prelude to the most glorious day of the year.

    ...God bless you and your lovely family this holiday season. :o)

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  7. I love Christmaseve with my family and a good dinner, laughing and talking!

    ♥ Franka

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  8. I have the exact snowman and Santa!
    Simple is definitely better!

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  9. It looks like it was a beautiful Christmas eve. :)

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  10. I would give every Christmas present I've ever received to have Dad back, and to see him slow dance with Mom. Glad to know you had the really important things (and recognize them for what they are) this Christmas. Beautiful photos!

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  11. Looks beautiful, I love Christmas eve too.

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  12. Theres a lot of magic in that moment. Divine.

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  13. Your post said to me that maybe you felt a well-justified, personal struggle against the elusive Commercial-Christmas-Promise that all may be made perfect through materialism and store-bought gifts. That you would share this personal account, juxtaposed against the most inspiring and delicately tender photographs, is a truly generous gift to all of us observing from afar. You could easily have posted these photos without any mention of the bitter in their sweetness, but instead, you let us into your truth, and with that, only amplified their magical beauty. My heartfelt thanks to you for pulling back the veil and letting us in.

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  14. Beautiful pictures! Your Christmas decorations reminds me of 'Little Women', just beautiful!

    Merry Christmas!

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  15. I agree with Ellen S's sentiments. Thank you for sharing such intimate photos with us. I love the photo of your parents, just 'being'. Merry Christmas.

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  16. Gorgeous Pictures ! I have had my sister here this Christmas days, and I treasure it :) No time to blog yet, but I will.. when she is on her way home.. Continous Merry Christmas.

    Best from Lilleba on "Rusk og Rask" ( in Norway ) :D

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  19. This is absolutely beautiful. You've captured the cozy, warm and lovable atmosphere so perfectly. The whole post looks like the best scenes from a really good Christmas movie.

    Merry (late) Christmas and a happy new year to you! x

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  20. Hey Amy,

    I've been enjoying your blog and your site, beautiful work!

    I'm curious, what kind of camera do you use to shoot your flowers? The images are lovely!

    Best,
    Monica
    Home/Made Wine Bar
    homemadebklyn.com

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  21. This was wonderful to read. Thank you, and Happy Christmas x

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  22. Looks to me as if you had a beautiful Christmas with the people who are most important to you. Wonderful! And your tree and the candles are lovely and create an intimate atmosphere.

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  23. I always feel that way about Christmas Eve too. There is something of perfection about it. Here's wishing you the merriest of new years.

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  24. That's so lovely! You really got a truely christmas!


    www.magicgazelle.blogspot.com

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  25. In my side of the world, Christmas means Christmas Eve. On the 25th most people are resting or asleep for staying up the whole night the night before.

    Lovely tree. Lovely images. Merry Christmas!

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  27. Happy new year !

    And Thank You for contributing to my collection of bouquets :

    floralies.tumblr.com

    Love

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  28. The pictures of Ma n Pa Merrick make me tear up a little. Happy 2012 to all of your magical, gifted family. xoxo

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  29. Hey Amy! What a wonderful collection of prose & photographs. You are so talented & have captured the "true" meaning of Christmas. Thank you for sharing such intimate details/pics with "US". It takes a great deal of courage to expose ones inner most thoughts. It is the very essence of your charm. I know most ppl do not like to toot their own horn...I shall toot it for you! ~~TOOT TOOT~~ Excellent job my dear. May you be blessed with all the happiness & adventure you can stand in 2012! Love all the arrangements & decorations as well!

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  30. Thanks for sharing your family. Who cares about presents!? The best present is family...specially parents still in love after how many years? Nice

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  31. Stunning stunning photographs ;-) Happy new year - Houdini

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  32. What sweet parents. They are a perfect gift. I'm jealous.

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  33. I LOVED THE PHOTOS OF YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR PARENTS... YOU CAPTURED THE LOVE.

    HUGS FROM MY HEART

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  34. this is amazing.
    your bog is a perfect surprise start to my day.

    thanks.

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