We used to alternate Christmases between here and California, but we haven't been to Cali since 2008. I really like going to Monterey because it is warmer, but I also like being able to be at our house for Christmas. This year was especially dear to me because it is the last Christmas we will likely ever spend in Utah since we are moving to Kansas. We still might get to California, but I doubt it will be next year. I made some little candies and a Christmas cake and we had roast beef and mashed potatoes and homemade bread on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, we went to our friends' house and ate turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, and Dixie (fruit) salad. Brian always opened his presents on Christmas Eve and my family did so on Christmas Day and so we spent the first few years trading off on that too. Then a stroke of brilliance came. We would open some on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day. This system really works for us. Hannah s...