Christmas 2014

It was a lovely Christmas! My best one in Belgium so far. It was fun because Mateo was into it. He still didn't fully grasp the concept, because he kept saying he wanted to "go to Christmas." But I understand why it was confusing, because we had a few weeks earlier our family Christmas and then at school they had Christmas, but for me-and-my-house, we open gifts on the 25th, even though I've discovered most of Europe does it on the 24th.

My good friend, Ruth, visited and was such a help! We hosted Christmas Eve at our place. Couldn't done it without her.

Christmas Day was relaxed. I think Mateo slept really late. Like 10:00. Liora was up, but taking her first nap by the time he was downstairs. We ate breakfast casserole and then we had Mateo open his stocking. He was thrilled to finally get the toys he'd been pulling out for a month. We sent him upstairs with the cars and we ate some junk food and opened our stockings. Fun times with the selfie stick.

I was wondering how long it would take Mateo to realize and finally he did, that all the presents were ready to be opened. Liora was then up and we slowly opened up all our gifts. Ruth brought a whole suitcase full of goodies! After the gifts it was, of course, time to eat again. Leftovers (apple cheesecake...). I insisted on having a family photo. We planned on going to the Brussels Christmas Market, but it was really windy, so we were dragging our feet. Liora was taking her 2nd nap, so we decided when she woke up we'd go. I had planned to eat raclette at night, so there was no rush.

However, we got a text from our friends in Brugge asking if we wanted to go there. Sure! Why not? It was very pleasant. First visited at their house a bit, then went into the city. I decided it was the first time I was ever outside on Christmas day! We are always inside and then have visitors or go somewhere to eat. It was a nice change. I also ate a delicious snack from the Christmas market. Since then I've made it myself. Calorie bomb!

We tried not to make the night too late because of the kiddos and hubby had to work. Oh, throughout the day we skyped various family members.

Boxing Day Ruth and I braved the city traffic, shopper, children, cold and we visited Gent. The Christmas market once again. PLUS it was the start of sales.