Merry Christmas Eve! The whole family has arrived and I’m getting ready to get cooking! I made a huge macarroni & cheese last night and I still have a few things to do. Thankfully, my son-in-law and daughter who live down the street are helping tremendously and I don’t have to do everything! The living room is so crowded with everyone’s gifts that we’ll hardly be able to walk and the kids are beyond excited!

My oldest daughter Lauren said to me the other day - “Mom…Christmas is hard for adults”. I’ve had to chuckle about that several times because it’s so true, but it’s also so worth the extra work when you see the reaction from the children! I always figure I can rest the day after Christmas and the biggest gift of it all is the memories that were created. If the “hard” didn’t get done, the memories wouldn’t be the same! And…I do love to walk around the house and soak in how beautiful everything looks. I think it’s a little like giving birth…you forget the pain and do it all over again (haha)!

The outfit below is a big high/low mix! The sweater is so cute and from Mango! I am a big fan of Mother Denim and these jeans are classic and I love the wash. My bag is a splurge from Bottega and the shoes (love them), are from Amazon. I have not been a fan of the Mary Jane trend until I found these shoes. They are so comfortable and come in every color under the rainbow!

Tonight everyone will be here for dinner and the kids will open one present! I’m sure we’ll be sharing some Nonnie (my mom) memories and passing around our new little granddaughter! It’s always such a nice evening and there is so much anticipation for Christmas morning!

On the menu tonight…

Beef Tenderloin - This recipe that’s easy and so delicious!

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Sauteed Green Beans

Smoked Turkey

Roasted Salmon with Sizzled Rice - This recipe calls for the salmon to be cooked in an air-fryer, but tonight I’ll roast it in the oven.  Everything else is the same.  It’s my favorite way to cook salmon right now!

Homemade Macarroni & Cheese with Ritz Cracker Topping - honestly I can’t believe I’ve never done a post with this recipe because I’ve been making it for as long as I can remember so it’s on the list for January!  It’s a hit with the kids and the leftovers are delicious!

Kale Salad (made by my daughter) - This recipe is also delicious and so easy!

Buttermilk Pie

Chocolate Pie

Sugar Cookies

I lost count of how many gifts I wrapped, but I really had fun this year using different ribbon and paper and even attached little Christmas ornaments to some of the packages!

Also, I’m thinking a little ahead to January and planning some outfit ideas and a home edit just so the “after Christmas letdown” isn’t too bad! I’m absolutely in love with animal prints right now and this Zebra sweater is too fabulous…paired with the leather trimmed jeans, it definitely makes a statement.

When the Christmas decorations are all put away in January, things look a little empty! A few simple home updates make things feel fresh and new!

I was thinking when I got up this morning about how this blog has been a diary for me. My children will be able to go back and see how I looked and what I was doing over the years. It’s grown and evolved as I’ve grown and evolved!

There’s so much going on behind the scenes right now! My youngest daughter Sarah is now part of my team and I have a new photographer so things are getting exciting here at Crazy Blonde Life! I can’t wait to begin a new year and new blog posts with Sarah helping me! For now, however, I’m going to make a chocolate pie and a breakfast casserole for tomorrow and enjoy Christmas 2024!

Wishing you all love and light and a Merry Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family, your food and your celebration! Thanks so much for reading today!

With much gratitude…

~XOXO Suzanne