A Blue Ridge Christmas

For the first time in 21 years, we spent Christmas away from home. December 2000, Maxwell's first Christmas, we went to Iowa to spend it with Matt's family, but ever since then we've been home. More than anything, my kids always wanted to wake up in their own beds on Christmas Day. 

But kids grow up, don't they? They grow up and they get jobs and before you know it your family Christmas Day morphs into figuring out how to all be together, instead of where everyone will wake up. 

Blue Ridge, Georgia was our Christmas home away from home this year. Matt, Henry, Viv and I met left Florida Friday morning with temps in the 20's and watched them fall as we made the 7 hour drive. Even though the power was out in the cabin (actually in the entire area) when we arrived and our grocery delivery was canceled, we had a few spirits and snacks, and thankfully, a gas fireplace. Maxwell arrived from Knoxville by the time the power was back on and the Christmas spirit was instantly in the air. 

To say that we had a wonderful time, would be an understatement. This might have been the best Christmas holiday we've ever had. Maybe because we had to break away from the usual. Maybe because without saying it, we knew this could be the last Christmas that we're all together for, just the five of us. Maybe because we had no expectations. 

Whatever it was, it was magical. 

December 23
Creek Melody 





December 24
Christmas Eve 



The Black Sheep Restaurant after Mass 
Dinner was phenomenal
Back to the cabin for games and shenanigans 




Cheers to a good rum and coke....
doesn't feel like Christmas Eve without it

December 25
Merry Christmas!

gift opening is slower and and quieter these days
 but the surprises are still so much fun













an afternoon hike...
found the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) Chapel 











December 26 
The boys took off to hike a section of the BMT
and the girls shopped on Main Street
December 27 
the fresh snowfall was beautiful 






I know time can't be bottled and moments can't be re-captured 
but if it was possible 
these are the times and the moments I'd choose. 

Merry Christmas, from the Hansons.  






































 
















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