Merry Eve of Christmas Eve!

Christmas is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. I love the sense of warmth, caring, and that warm Christmas-y feeling that you get every time you anticipate the joys of Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I often wonder how the people of early America celebrated Christmas. I'd imagine that everything from the decorations and gifts to the food were all made with the utmost care and respect for tradition and quality. Maybe one day I'll emulate this in the way I celebrate Christmas in my own home.

This plate from Godey's Lady's Book is how I like to picture a nineteenth-century Christmas. Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!