We had a lovely Christmas though we missed family and friends in California. Our tradition of homemade gifts always made Christmas so fun so of course we feel like we are missing out not being there. But we had a nice Christmas eve walking around Bologna so that Hallie could see all the Christmas lights and decorations. Christmas day our friend Ali came over and we cooked, drank prosecco and had a nice, quiet evening.
If you've ever been to our house for a party or dinner you have likely had the eggplant dish that Babac makes. He made it on Christmas and it turned out great.
Ali brought probably the best panettone we've ever had. We ran into him on Christmas eve when we went to get gelato at our favorite place and he was there picking up the panettone he'd ordered. Turns out they are good at everything they do!
We did a video call with Ana and Keith on Christmas eve and after Christmas they did a good job sharing photos with us of what everyone made. Hallie brought her homemade gift (the ceramic candle in the food picture above) as well as gifts from Jaleh and family. It was fun to get to participate just a little. We were so overwhelmed trying to get this apartment set up that we didn't do anything for gifts.
This is what counted as our "tree" this year
Next year we will be settled and maybe things will be a little more organized but we were quite content with the little Christmas we had!