Unexpected Joy

Day 8 of Just Joy's Christmas Traditions Countdown:⁣⁣The best and most treasured gift I have ever been given was the gift of having all of my boys under one roof for the holidays. My youngest son was born at 27 weeks and spent 285 days in the hospital his first year of life. That time in the hospital included his first Christmas. I remember vividly that Christmas Eve having to leave him in the hospital and be home with my other son who wasn't feeling well while my husband took my other two boys to try and have as normal...

Day 7 of Just Joy's Christmas Traditions Countdown:⁣⁣I have a collection of way too many Christmas movies but an all-time favorite is White Christmas. My love for this movie began when I was a kid. My dad was a quiet man and like many from his generation wasn't much for talking about feelings and emotions. But he loved Christmas. I remember one year he was excited that White Christmas was going to be on TV. So I knew that if dad was excited about it, then it was going to be a great movie! I can't even begin to guess...

Day 6 of Just Joy's Christmas Traditions Countdown:⁣⁣A few years back my dad started making a festive drink for New Year's Eve but we all loved it so much we try to make it anytime we have a good excuse to get together in December! If you haven't already heard of it it sounds a little crazy but it calls for eggnog, peppermint ice cream and Sprite. It is super simple and oh so tasty! Hmmm... I might have to make a run to the store to grab some ingredients. 😍😍😍😍⁣⁣Do you have a favorite family friendly holiday drink you...

Day 5 of Just Joy's Christmas Tradition Countdown:⁣⁣This fun tradition actually started at extended family baby and wedding showers but we love it so much we've incorporated it into our Christmas Eve fun and include all of the menfolk and older grandkids. ⁣⁣We have multiple tables set up with sets of dice on each table. Mom calls out different combinations of numbers and we take turns at each table rolling as fast as we can trying to get those numbers. When we get the called-out number we run as fast as we can to a pile of presents and grab...

Day 4 of Just Joy's Christmas Tradition Countdown:⁣⁣⁣⁣I absolutely loved laying by the Christmas tree as a kid with all the other lights off and just staring at the soft glow. And the best part is my kids love it too. When Dad is gone we will sometimes have a big sleepover in the family room so we can enjoy the Christmas lights. Luckily as an adult it hasn't lost its magic for me! I still love it just as much as when I was a kid!⁣⁣⁣What do you remember most about Christmas as a kid?⁣⁣⁣-Jessica⁣⁣