Christmas 2010!

Christmas is by far, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. I love the music, the movies, the decorations, Starbuck's Christmas cups - it just makes me happy!  I went home to North Carolina for Christmas for the 5th time since moving out to Oregon, but for the first time, my sister wasn't there with us on Christmas day, she had to work at the hospital in Chicago and so we missed her very much!!  However, the weekend before Xmas, my sister did manage to fly home and surprise my parents! And, my brother drove home and surprised them, and then I flew home, so at least all 5 McKenna's were under one roof for 24 hours, which was GREAT!

My brother John also brought home his girlfriend Silvia for the holiday, since her family lives in Switzerland. She is FABULOUS!  She fit right in with the family and I loved having her there.  

While I am at home it's so great because I am so relaxed, and I get to spend time with my favorite people in my favorite place, Chapel Hill.  We went to the Carolina Inn, an old historic hotel downtown that I am in love with, it's beautiful, especially when it's decorated during Christmas time.  I also went to the food shelter with my mom to help out, which is something she does every week, and it was a great experience.  

During our down time, we watched Christmas movies (The Santa Clause and The Family Stone are our favorites!), wrapped gifts...every year on December 23rd, my brother, sister and I go shopping with my Dad to help him pick out gifts for my mom...but this year it was just me since John and Kate couldn't be there.  Even though I missed having my brother and sister there the whole time, I have to admit, it was great having 1-on-1 time with my parents, in a family of 5 that doesn't happen too often.

Another wonderful Christmas, and a great start to 2011!!