Three Christmases

Christmas in my mind has always been synonymous with going to different houses. Ever since I can remember, I would experience two Christmases, always getting picked up by the other parent at exactly noon on Christmas day each year. Now, I find myself as an adult still going to many different houses on Christmas day - it's funny how some things never change! I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so much family. 

My favorite Christmas tradition is when my mom, stepdad, brother, sister and I sit around the tree on Christmas morning and open gifts that we got for each other one by one. It's so much fun and the best part is seeing everyone's reactions. My brother is the best at giving random gifts that will catch you by surprise, my sister is good at remembering what you wanted months ago and getting it for you, and my mom and stepdad always get you exactly what you need (even though you may not have even realized that you needed it). It's one of my favorite mornings of the whole year :-)

As 2016 comes to an end, I've been reflecting on the year and feeling grateful to have accomplished some really big goals of mine. I visited my 4th continent (only 3 more to go!), became a homeowner, worked abroad for 6 weeks, transferred to a new team at work, celebrated my 4th anniversary with the love of my life, ran 6 races, and ventured to one of the most beautiful Hawaiian islands. 2016 was great, but I have some other big goals for 2017 :-) So excited to ring in the new year (doing what I love most -- running a 5k by the beach on 1/1)!