Christmas 2020 was our first Christmas at home. Because we did a traditional Thanksgiving, I wanted to change it up some.
Check out the first Christmas YouTube Video here.
Since my husband and I both have Hungarian heritage, I had the idea to do a Hungarian themed dinner. Although I did not grow up eating Hungarian food, he did. Over the years, I have made different dishes that he remembered his grandmother making for the family. Honestly, I had nothing to compare to so I have no idea if what I made was even close. Fortunately for me, he and our son always enjoyed. But it had been so many years since my husband had his grandmother’s cooking, I can’t say he even remembered how the meals should taste! However, he says he remembers and that my meals are even better. But, isn’t that his job?!
So since we were having our own Christmas at home, I asked if he would like me to make some Hungarian dishes. He liked that idea so that’s what we did. I made new things we hadn’t tried before.
Dinner
With a spiral ham, we had mushroom paprikash, deviled eggs, Hungarian-style broccoli, paprika sour cream red potato salad, dumplings and egg noodles. All of the recipe links are below. In addition, my mother (the Hungarian 
) made her homemade chicken noodle soup “to go” for all of our family. Christmas wouldn’t be the same with that! So we at least got to see my parents for a brief visit on Christmas Eve.
Side note
I did not make the dumpling mentioned above from scratch like his grandmother did. Instead, I used Pillsbury Grands. For this quick and easy version, I tore off little pieces of the dough, dropped into the boiling mushroom dish (also mentioned above) then simmered until they looked done. However, I had no idea what “done” was since I never made before! But I took a guess, and they worked out well. Or at least that is what my husband said. Again, his job, right?
Dessert
For dessert I made my husband’s favorite, Hungarian nut roll. I have never made anything like it before. And, I have only tasted a nut roll once. By no means am I even close to a baker. But I wanted to surprise him, and I managed it. Unfortunately, somehow, I don’t have a picture of it. However, I can tell you this, it looked absolutely nothing like the picture in the recipe.
Apparently, I did not roll it correctly so instead of a log, it was more like a large calzone! It was pretty funny, actually. I knew something didn’t seem right. Instead of taking the shorter end and rolling it, I rolled it from the long side. This made it very thin. Of course, it was also way too long for the cookie sheet. Plus it burst open during cooking, hence the calzone look! Did I mention I am not a baker? But, the good news is that my mistakes didn’t mess up my husband’s enjoyment. Our son has a nut allergy, so he didn’t try it. But, don’t worry he had cookies and kiffles (also a Hungarian favorite of my husband’s). Neither of which I attempted to make.
Everyone enjoyed dinner!
Recipe Links
Mushroom Paprikash: The Apron Archives, Deviled Eggs: The Best of Hungry, Hungarian Style Broccoli: Thyme for Cooking, Paprika Sour Cream Potato Salad: The Silly Girl’s Kitchen, Hungarian Nut Roll: The Skinny Chef.
Family Photo Time
Of course, we took our family photos as well. Fortunately, both my husband and son know the drill. This wasn’t exactly a theme, and there were no costumes, but at least we added some holiday accessories! Don’t you love my boots?
Mistletoe!
Four Legged Babies
For the past few years, we have included both our dog and cat. This is not an easy feat to have both in the same room, let alone that close to each other. But here we are! This might be better titled as bloopers!
A few more
Here Comes Santa Claus!
Speaking of costumes, my husband has a Santa suit that he’s had for many years. He was Santa for our son and nieces when they were young. Since then he has made appearances at work and other functions. A few years ago, I bought a “Mrs. Claus” costume, and we volunteered at a nursing home for a few years.
I always thought it would be fun to have a picture of our pets with Santa. But there is no way that could happen. So, you know what I was thinking! We have our own Santa! My plan was for it to be Santa and the pets. But we turned it into a family photo shoot instead. Although this is from 2018, I wanted to share this family photo.
Did someone say decorations?
As our other posts show, decorations in 2020 were a big thing in our house. Although I always decorate at Christmas, I may have added a few more decorations for 2020! Here are a few photos. You can check out the second Christmas YouTube video here for a tour of all of the rooms.
This bow hanging on the door was my first attempt at making a real bow. So I had to share! I found the ribbon in a box and decided I would try it. I do not have a “how to” video to share. I just winged it. It took a lot of twist ties and patience (ok so I might not have been very patient!) but it turned out well and it has held up to use again this Christmas.
The stuffed animals made their first appearance at Thanksgiving (click here). So, since I thought it was a cute idea, here they are again at Christmas.
Christmas in the Tropics
Alright, so maybe it isn’t the real tropics! But, our breakfast room turned into a tropical entrance to our backyard oasis in the Spring of 2020. So I decided to keep that same vibe for Christmas and decorate around that décor.
I added pink and teal accents to decorations I already had. But, I did buy a couple (that means several, right?!) new decorations.
I couldn’t resist the two nutcrackers and the adorable pink reindeer for the occasion. Then I saw the big tropical Santa and had to add him too! In addition, my husband gifted me with the two ceramic tropical Santa scenes. I just loved this room!
I also did a quick google search on how to make a centerpiece with Christmas ornaments. That’s where I found several images using wine glasses. I just took the various ideas and made it my own. This was a first, but similar centerpieces will be in future posts, so check back!
Also, the little pink and teal Christmas tree can also been seen in our Trees for all Occasions post here. Check it out if you haven’t already!
This was our first year with fairy lights. They really gave us a festive holiday atmosphere.
And yes, that is our outside furniture. We needed a place to put it so we moved our small table out and made a comfy seating area that we used all winter. I was sad to have to move it back outside!
What do you think of this room? Would love to know in the comments below ⬇️
Surprise gifts!
Lastly, I have one more thing to share with you. Since 2020 was full of new memories, my amazing husband made me two very thoughtful gifts. Here we have a beautiful blanket and adorable mug!
Keep in Touch
We hope you enjoyed! Merry Christmas!
Check back here next week for our 2021 Christmas. You won’t want to miss this theme!
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52 thoughts on “Our First Christmas at Home”
Beautiful home & family <3
Thank you!
What wonderful memories. Really enjoy your decorations and your pictures. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!
Oh my gosh, how awesome! I love that you got really into it – the decor, the food, the costumes and your boots – all look so fun and festive! BTW, those boots are a keeper! They are so unique and perfect for this time of year. Wishing you and your family a very happy holidays!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you so much! I loved the boots too!
The recipes all sound amazing and the pictures are beautiful! I absolutely love the gift ideas! I definitely would like to try some of those recipes out.
The food really turned out well. I was happy since it was all new. Thanks, my husband did a great job with the gifts!
Love the post, love your decoration and your table! Great post x
Thank you so much! It was a lot of work but it was worth it 🙂
That is a really cool idea! I love traditional holidays but it is always fun to change it up a little.
Thank you! I agree about traditional and it would be strange if my mother didn’t keep it traditional. But, since we haven’t done a traditional ourselves, and the whole year was just different, why not switch it up, right?!
I love the pet pics!! It sounds like this was a fun and festive time! It’s very interesting to learn how others celebrate the season!
Thank you! It’s always interesting when we get all five of us in one room for pictures! We are usually lucky to get one good one. But in the end, the less planned the better usually!
The decoration looked awesome. Such an awesome group you have. Everything looked wonderful.
Thank you! They are pretty cool!
Merry Christmas! I love the gift ideas.
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you!
Love this! Thanks for sharing a little insight into your holiday season! Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
Thank you! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
That’s so cool that you are keeping in touch with your Hungarian ancestry and making Hungarian foods! My husband is Peruvian and I am trying to learn how to make traditional Peruvian dishes.
That would be fun I am sure! I tend to get intimated when I look at a recipe, but so far they have turned out! Give it a try!
I love the Surfing Santa that is sooo cute! It looks like you will have a great Christmas no matter where you are!
I knew I wanted to buy it when I saw it but didn’t. I went back for it the next day and it was gone. My husband stopped at a different location and found him! Thank you!
Wow! You guys sure make things look fun and easy! Lovely pics. The dishes look yummy. And I’m so glad your four-legged kids get to partake in the festivities!!
Thank you! Easy for some of the participants 🙂 Thanks for showing some love to the four legged kids!
I`ve had a ChristmS abroad, away with family and even in hotels, but there is nothing that beats having Christmas in my own home with things I know and am comfortable with.Still I really loved reading your post and people should embrace celebrating at home.
Yes I agree. This being our first, it was extra special.
Wonderful family time and decorations. I love your dessert recipe. Merry Christmas
Thank you! The nut roll was delicious, even with my slip up 🙂
Beautiful home, well decorated, and happy family. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much!
What an absolute lovely post. Thank you for sharing these precious moments.
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
Thank you! Happy Holidays!
I could taste the dinner, it sounds delicious! thank you for the recipes. You guys look Adorable, love the family traditions and fun times 🙂
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays!
I love that you took a leap and made traditional foods for your family. It will make a wonderful tradition, or at least a very memorable Christmas.
Thank you! Happy Holidays!
How cute! This is the perfect way to spend Christmas 🙂
Thank you! I hope you had a great day!
So heartwarming!
Thank you!
So much fun!! I love your at home parties and all the fun you put into it! Thanks for sharing. And yes, I love your boots!
Thank you! I really enjoy the planning! That’s the most fun! Thanks, the boots are more comfortable than you’d think!
Aw what a wonderful festive post! I love your house!
Thank you so much! I was definitely the most festive it has been!
Wow! Those dishes sound amazing. Thanks for sharing the links. I will try them out.
You are welcome! I recommend them!
How fantastic your house looks! And I love the pictures. You clearly are very creative. Thank you for allowing us to see the personal side of your life. You’ve inspired me to try to be a little bit more creative next year for our Christmas.
Thank you! Honestly, I am not creative 🙂 but thank you! Great, my goal is to inspire people to get more creative! Happy New Year!
WOW, great gift for this Christmas day.
Thank you!