The Magic of Christmas 2025

Published by

mari

on

December 29, 2025

Christmas was merry and magical for our family.

We were all together for Christmas, for the first time in 5 years! It was so beautiful to have everyone come to Spokane, and gather together as family. We basked in our love and the majestic glow of twinkle lights… and cheese, lots of cheese. 🙂

My older kiddos came up from Utah and Boise, and they decided to come a day earlier than planned to try and surprise me! It was so funny because I noticed that both Sammi and Dan had their location trackers off, and so that little hint gave me the warning I needed to get the house cleaned, in case they were up to something. Dan is especially known for trying to surprise people at Christmas time. I am glad my intuition was correct, and that I was ready for them to come! I like to have my home all “set up” with lights on, yummy smells, and music. I was taking a nap when Dan called, and he told me there was a package from my mom at my door… the package was my kids! It was amazing. I was still surprised at their early arrival. I was so happy to have the extra time with them. It was Christmas magic.

Once they arrived, the fun began. Our time was filled with music, painting, football throwing, going for walks, watching movies, games, LOTS OF FOOD, some stinky smells, and silly conversations.

Johnathan (my youngest) was with his dad for Christmas, but he came back the day after Christmas, which worked out well. It was nice to have special grown-up kids time, and then everyone turned their focus to Johnathan and his unique and fun energy. It was super sweet when everyone was together. Johnathan loves his family, and everyone was loving Johnathan. Sammi and Dan have had very little time with him over his 5 years of life, because they moved away just months after he was born. But family is family… and Johnathan knows his family! He can identity everyone by name, which is big for him! Johnathan gave and received lots of hugs, love and attention.

My mom sent us the ingredients for her gingerbread cookies, and we spent an evening making them. They were so yummy! Sammi and Nico made the cookies, and they did beautifully. We all took turns cutting them out and frosting them, and then we just ate them… a LOT of them.

For Christmas Eve we followed some of our traditions like watching the Polar Express, watching the Nativity, and wearing matching PJ’s. All the kids “slept” (partied) downstairs, while I prepared the present-party upstairs. I definitely was sweating while I was setting up Christmas presents for 6 this year. Luckily, my deodorant smells like sugar cookies, so it was on point.

Oh! And there was a Christmas day RAINBOW!!! It was amazing! It was a direct sign from Heaven and Charles!! I felt his love, especially this year, with all of our children together. I feel the closest to Charles when I am with our children. There are pieces of him in each of them. How grateful I am for having our family forever!

I don’t know what else to say, other than… I LOVE MY FAMILY SO MUCH!!!!

These beautiful people mean everything to me.

It was a truly MAGICAL Christmas.

I feel all filled up with love, joy, and homemade macaroni.

Here are many pictures and videos of the festivities…