Post-Christmas Letdown + the BEST After-Christmas Sales

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Christmas Eve and Christmas looked very different at our house this year!

After a full day of cooking and baking on the 23rd, I was completely prepared for a festive Christmas Eve celebration with my son, daughter-in-law, and their sweet 23-month-old daughter, Lily. The plan was perfect: a casual deli lunch with all the trimmings, a cozy Christmas Eve dinner of slow-cooked pot roast and baked potatoes, and a Birthday Party for Jesus for dessert, complete with cupcakes and ice cream. 🎂

Christmas Eve dawned with torrential rain and storms sweeping through the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The weather delayed my son’s family, but once they arrived safely, the festivities began. We spent a joyful morning watching Lily open her gifts and playing with her new toys. After lunch, we settled in to enjoy the adult gift exchange while Lily napped.

That’s when the unexpected happened.

As the rain poured and thunder rumbled, a massive bolt of lightning struck with a deafening crack, followed by sparks and the sizzle of an electrical explosion. Lightning had hit our house.

The power went out instantly, plunging us into semi-darkness. My daughter-in-law rushed to check on Lily, while the rest of us scattered to inspect the house for any signs of fire. Thankfully, the lightning appeared to hit the metal chimney cap, and aside from some frayed nerves, we were safe. Another strike took out a nearby transformer, leaving the entire neighborhood without power.

Determined not to let this derail our celebration, we opened the rest of the gifts by flashlight and what little natural light peeked through the windows. By evening, the power was restored, but the slow cooker pot roast and baked potatoes weren’t salvageable. So, we pivoted. Our Christmas Eve dinner? In-N-Out Burger. Lily is a big fan, so she was delighted, and the rest of us embraced the adventure.

After dinner, my son’s family headed home, and Bob, Becca, and I headed home—where we enjoyed the Jesus Birthday cupcakes before piling into bed together to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Christmas Day was relaxed and easy, with just Becca home. We got a late start, opened gifts, and headed to my sister-in-law’s for a fantastic dinner and time with extended family.

It wasn’t the Christmas I had planned, but it was a Christmas I’ll never forget! An unexpected twist turned into a memory—and a gentle reminder that the holidays aren’t about perfect plans, but the gift of the Baby in the manger and the people we celebrate that gift with.

Here’s to finding joy in the unexpected and savoring the moments that make memories!

Post-Christmas Let-Down

I always feel a little overwhelmed the day after Christmas with the post-Christmas letdown. Do you? I need to clean my house and organize all the boxes and bows for next year, get on the treadmill because I ate so much the past few days, and get out to the grocery store again. Instead, I want to take a nap, “play” with my gifts, and get in a little online after-Christmas shopping!

I’m always a little down in the dumps, and that’s okay. I’m tired, and I’m sure you are, too.

I know you’ve worked hard the last few days to serve and bless your families. Don’t let the post-Christmas letdown get the better of you! (I’m talking to myself here!) Be sure to take some time out to relax this week. You’ll be better for your family if you do it, I promise! Enjoy having your family home. If patience is in short supply, you might want to reread this post.

This weekend, we’re headed to Waco with Becca. She’s never seen our little Waco loft, and we’re excited to show her around and take her to some of our favorite Waco spots.

My other son and daughter-in-law are coming next week to spend New Year’s with us, and we’re really looking forward to time with them.

Talbots Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater (50% off – Lot of other colors available.) | Talbots Mixed Stitch Cardigan (Was $179, now $65.99) | Dark Denim Midi Skirt | Cream Leather Booties (76% off!) | Similar Pearl Hoop Earrings (20% off)

I got up early this morning, and Beth and I have worked to compile the best after-Christmas sales for you all in one convenient spot! If you got gift cards for Christmas, now is a great time to shop. The deals are pretty epic! Click HERE to check them out.

Big hugs from me to you today. Good job the last few days, sweet friends!

Best After Christmas-Sales

Here’s what to shop for after Christmas:

• Clothing – Most notably, TARGET has 50% off clothing and accessories. To check out all their deals, click HERE. Also of note, MACY’S has 20-60% off clothing & accessories and 25% off special occasion dresses.
• Electronics – Amazing tech and electronics deals at BEST BUY. See them all HERE.
• Holiday Decor – If you need a new tree or it’s time to upgrade your holiday decor, you’ll find up to 80% off with these links to WALMART, TARGET, and THE HOME DEPOT. Also, for holiday decor that goes beyond the run-of-the-mill, check out the Holiday Decor Sale at Crate & Barrel and the one at Frontgate (up to 70% off sitewide).
• Travel – Did you know that flights are typically cheaper in January? Scope out the deals at TRAVELOCITY or PRICELINE now, and buy in January. If you’ve got a more extensive trip to plan, I highly recommend you call my friend and fellow empty nester Shannon Leyerle, of VacationsbyShannon.com. She’s really good!
• Fitness – Target has huge deals on fitness. Consider shopping Amazon for fitness equipment.
• Cars – Now’s the time to get deals on 2024 models.

Happy shopping, sweet friends! Have a restful next few days. I’ll be back with my NYE post this weekend! Please leave me a comment and let me know how your Christmas was! (Probably best not to email, as I’m not checking my emails right now.)