Betancourt Blessings: Christmas 2020

2020 meant that we would celebrate Christmas a little differently. For example, we didn't throw a party with all of our friends, see the Nutcracker, or have in person church services, but we did still do a whole lot to get us in the Christmas spirit.

First, and of course, I decorated our apartment. I so enjoy putting up our very tiny tree each year with all of the personalized ornaments that we have started collecting--one for our engagement, wedding, travels etc.

We also made Christmas sugar cookies together and I delivered to them to friends from church that we hadn't seen in a long time.

The Christmas lights were also still up at the Oakland temple, so we made that long drive just to see them. Oh, how good it felt to be at the temple again!

And right before we left for Florida, Nick and I celebrated our Christmas together, where Nick agonized over wrapping my gifts, and ended up putting most of them in gift bags :D We turned the Christmas music on full blast, turned on the Netflix fireplace, lit our Christmas candle, and made Christmas dinner thanks to my mom's Omaha Steaks--we had ham, scalloped potatoes, and asparagus. We then took turns opening up our presents that we got for each other.

We came to Florida a week early this year for multiple reasons: 1) because Nick was finished with finals and classes and I could teach remotely, 2) to avoid the crowds of Christmas travel (which didn't happen in the Charlotte airport, 3) because the flights were far cheaper, 4) so that Nick could have this time to spend with his family while I was working and 5) because we both desperately needed a change of scenery. Please enjoy the many pictures of the beach and ocean that I just can't get enough of and that I walk to every morning.

Our first few days were very relaxing and peaceful. We didn't go out much, just once to the grocery store and then I spent an afternoon with my mother-in-law stocking stuffer shopping at Bath and Body Works, Ulta, Michael's, Ross, and TJ Maxx. We had a grand old time getting everything for everyone's stockings and some last minute gifts too.

We ventured into the Old City of St. Augustine on the 19th, and I got to do all of my shopping and got some delicious hot chocolate at Kilwins. Sure do love the spirit of the place and enjoyed shopping in all of my favorite stores.

We enjoyed much more time at the beach and even took Molly (Molita) out for a walk one day. She absolutely loved it.

We enjoyed an afternoon taking a frisbee to the beach, throwing it around, and walking along the water.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrated Noche Beuana with steak, rice and beans, chimicurhi, and some key lime pie for dessert. Nick spent most of the day fishing off of the dock. We had a good ole' Florida rainstorm for Santa to make his way to Palm Coast.