T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring but mom - and the mouse.
Hunched over a present, wrapping quickly with care. With hopes that her scissors would soon reappear somewhere, anywhere! Cookies lay on the counter, burnt to a crisp.
Next brownies, then onto brittle! On fruitcake and Blitzen!
From the kitchen to the foyer and along all the walls were presents and paper and spare boxes galore.ย As mom worked away, worked away, worked away more.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gallo Family Vineyards. All opinions are 100% mine.
The poem of my life, every single year. From the time we go out adulting on our own, the holidays become a mad scramble visiting grandparents and parents, a month-long marathon of baking and cooking, and wrapping presents late into the night to play Santa Clause.
I'll never forget the year we made the mistake of buying both a giant doll house and a kids kitchen.
Both of which were "some assembly required." And by "some assembly required" what they really meant was that we would be up until 3 in the morning with bloodshot eyes arguing over the instructions.
Speaking of assembly, what is with kids toys that require an Allen wrench for assembly? Those are lost more easily than the tape in a mess of wrapping paper. I think we spent more time searching for that tiny tool thanย actually using it.
Speaking of wrapping paper - what is its deal? It tears too easily or it won't cut at all, and I have never had a gift that was actually as wide as the roll itself, which leaves me cutting crazy shapes into the roll.
I much prefer gift bags, but they don't have the same appeal when stacked under the tree.
And don't even get me started on the Christmas tree we used in our home for years. It was always FULL OF CATS. Cats love climbing Christmas trees, did you know that?!
By the time Christmas actually arrives I'm just about ready to settle down for a long, long winter's nap.
Or at the very least a nice glass of wine by a cozy fire.
I recently picked up a bottle of Gallo Family Vineyard's Pinot Grigio that's perfect for sharing with family around the holidays.
At the end of the day, that's what makes the chaos of the holidays worth it.
Those shared moments with family. It's the silly ritual of wearing matching pajamas, binging all of the Santa Claus movies or indulgingย in a little holiday baking with your sister.
That is what the holidays are about, what makes it all worth it!
Gallo Family Vineyard Winesย celebrates the American family, in all its forms. Big families, small families, singles who go visit their families during the holidays - we know that FAMILY comes in a million forms across the country and across the world.
Gallo Family Vineyards isย a brand that was created by an American Family (Gallo) for American Families for 80+ years.
What better way to get the holiday madness under control and less chaotic than with a 1.5L bottle ofย Gallo Family Vineyardsโs Pinot Grigio chilling in the fridge during the holiday months? It's also a great way for parents to unwind after a frantic day of holiday shopping or a marathon cookie baking session!
Scott says
When we lived in California, we visited their winery! Was a great tour and fun to see it done on that scale!
Leah says
The holidays are definitely chaotic, but you know what, I wouldn't change it for the world! I love the crazy and the time with family!
Marysa says
It can be so tough to find balance during the holidays! Looks like you were able to pull everything together, and manage to stay calm through it too ๐
Cathi Crismon says
Boy oh boy! The memories of late night Christmas Eves. Some how we always seemed to pull it together before the kids woke to their Santa gifts! Merry Christmas!
Dana Vento says
The holidays are crazy but I enter no evening without a glass of wine, whether baking or working, it just makes it all better. Great thoughts!
Marysa says
The holidays are always so crazy! I have to say your cat is pretty cute! So funny, but destructive too ๐
I always feel by Christmas I crash and burn a little. Nice to take a little time to yourself with some good wine!
Travel Blogger says
We try to be more low key lately. It's been sanity helping ๐
Debra says
Gallo is definitely a top brand when it comes to wine! As for CHristmas Eve chaos - I'm right there with ya!
Audrey McClelland says
Christmas Eve has always been my favorite part of Christmas. We have people over, and when the kids hit the sack, the grownups bust out the wine, the games ,and the debauchery. ๐
Kim Croisant says
WE got games (adult) for Christmas this year and plan on playing and drinking wine after the kid goes to bed. Love your article.
Carter says
I'm so glad to see I'm not the only one who is bothered by weird shapes in palettes. I couldn't really explain why it bothered me, but exactly what you said; use that creativity for the actual colors of your product. That Becca highlighter haunts my nightmares, it's from the upside down, it's madness straight from the pit of hell, and I am not having it.๏ปฟ
Sam Kresslein says
Amazing holiday!! your cat is so cute and your picture are beautiful. Your family looks so happy. It's great to have wine on holidays like this. Wish you have a good day