December 2025 Family Adventures | CB Studio Photography, LLC

{A Recap of our December}

December is the month where our traditions really take center stage! The familiar ones we look forward to all year, and the little moments in between that somehow feel just as meaningful. Here is a break down of everything my “big” camera captured this month…

One of my favorite traditions every year is our fancy family dinner. Just the five of us. We pull out the good dishes, dress up in our nicest clothes, and turn our dining room into something that feels a little magical. Candlelight flickers, Christmas music hums in the background, and we enjoy a thoughtfully made, “gourmet” meal together. Joe and I have already promised each other that this tradition won’t end when the kids grow up…we’re carrying it with us into their adulthood, no matter what season of life we’re in. It’s one of those slow, intentional nights that fills my cup completely. I could cry just thinking about it!!

Another tradition that always brings so much joy is breakfast with Santa and cousins at The Handlebar. Among all the hustle and bustle of the month, we even managed to squeeze in a cousin breakfast. The way these shared experiences continue to weave our families closer together makes my heart so full it could burst!

December also brought one of those moments that stops time just a little. Eden and Oren received their First Communion at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, a day filled with growth and pride. Watching them take that step in their faith was moving, but what made it even more special is that my dad decided to take his First Communion with them!! Three generations sharing such a meaningful milestone was so special and something I’ll always treasure. Yet again, another reminder of how quickly this season of life is changing right before our eyes.

We also dove headfirst into gingerbread house decorating, but this year we added a little twist. I turned it into a friendly competition and let my Instagram followers vote for the winner! The prize? Picking the movie we watched that night. The kids took it very seriously…and the laughter, creativity, and sugar-fueled enthusiasm made it a memory I know we’ll talk about for years.

And then came Christmas Day. The beautiful, chaotic marathon of celebrations…coming and going, squeezing in meals, gifts, and moments wherever we could. Even with the full schedule, this Christmas felt extra special. Maybe it’s the season we’re in, maybe it was the way the kids soaked it all in, or maybe it was simply the reminder that these days…messy, loud, and full…are the ones I’ll value the most.

December was full in the best way. Until next month…