Happy Holidays!!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately this year was the first time that I didn't spend it with my family. A typical holiday for me is everyone in my family (that's like 20-30 people) gathering in one person's house on Christmas Eve and playing games, eating, talking, and just enjoying eachother's company until midnight when we open presents. It normally takes about 1-2 hours and my immediate family and I go back to the house around 2am and open our presents and then it's sleep time. Then on Christmas morning I spend it with my boyfriend's family. It works out quite perfectly that his family celebrate Christmas day and mine celebrate Christmas eve.

This year did not turn out as planned. First of all, I got sick a few days before Christmas. I took 2 days off from work but didn't have much strength for anything else. Finally started my baking the 22nd. I had the idea to make red velvet cupcake presents for my family and a Christmas cake for James's (the boyfriend's) family. I should have realized I was taking on too much. I mean I had to make about 35 cupcakes in all (with name tags for each person). Well, needless to say you will not be seeing how the cupcake presents turned out because it looked much better in my head. If I ever attempt it again I will post it. However, the Christmas cake came out wonderful. With the assistance of my wonderful boyfriend and without further ado, the perfection that is the Christmas Cake:

Here comes Santa Claus. Here comes Santa Claus.

That awesome boyfriend of mine gave me a fondant ribbon embroider for xmas. That's how I got that pattern on it. He also made the Santa hat and the actual bows for the ribbons. So talented! haha

Santa with his rosy cheeks and the presents were made with fondant. The eyes and cheeks were colored in with food coloring markers (best invention ever!)

Therefore, even though I was sick and had to work Christmas eve and day, Christmas didn't turn out too bad. I was able to train a new assistant and we had a great time decorating the cake together. It's too bad that I wasn't able to spend more time with the families but there's always next year.