New Year Traditions

Growing up, our family never celebrated New Years in a big way; besides lighting a few sparklers, getting to stay up past our bed time and watching the giant peach drop on TV (yep, you read that correctly, Atlanta drops a peach). My sister Bekah and I are just two and a half years apart. She is the butter to my bread, the ketchup to my french fries, the icing on my cupcake and my very best friend. She's been married for a little over two years to an amazing man, Christian, and they moved to Ohio when she became his wife. We intentionally text, send photos, video chat and call each other on a regular basis but there is still a part of my heart that aches to see her on a daily basis. The first New Years after she got married, Drew and I traveled with my parents to go visit her. Now it's become a tradition and I've never looked forward to celebrating New Years more. 

I just got back from a week long stay with her and my heart is so full from the time that we spent together.Bekah married into a family who celebrates New Years in a unique and amazing way and I love being able to be apart of it. Christian's maternal Grandmother is Italian and still has immediate family living in Rome, Italy (I know...I'm already trying to convince his grandmother to take me with her on their next family visit).

All dressed up for New Years

 On New Year's Eve, Christian's grandparents treat all of the extended family to a big dinner at Maggianos. After we stuff ourselves, we head over to his uncle's house and play games until midnight. And when I say everyone plays, I'm talking about the entire family playing "Murder in the Dark"; aunts, uncles, little kids and big kids and Grandma, who are all hard core about winning. It's pretty much the best and if that wasn't fantastic enough, his Aunt Robyn, who is famous in Cleveland for her Buckeyes, lays out a spread of homemade desserts too. 

On New Year's Day, Grandma and Christian's mom make homemade pasta, ravioli with tomato sauce and meatballs that will make your mouth believe that you are in Italy. The rest of the day is usually filled with football watching and more game playing. I just love that they have blended their family's culture with American traditions as well. It's truly a beautiful thing to behold.

Downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio

New Year's was just fabulous and I'm so blessed to have such an amazing sister. I am counting down the days and saving up my pennies to hopefully be able to make another visit soon! More to come on the fantastic city of Cleveland soon. I'm curious to know what your New Year traditions are and I'd love to hear them!