Christmas morning started off bright and early with Brooke opening up her presents at home.
I don’t know if Brooke was calling me or Elmo on the phone because she calls both of us Elmo and that is who she said hello to when she first put the phone up to her ear.
We made it over to my sister’s house in time to see her kids run through the wrapping paper to get to their presents. I think I am going to make Brooke do this ‘running through wrapping paper’ thing on all of her birthdays too.
Everyone was quite jolly.
We watched Despicable Me 2. Classic.
And when we got back Brooke scored some more presents. Aka her two best friends.
How did I forget about these babies. I made 40 cinnamon rolls for everybody and we went through them fast.
I seem to keep forgetting that eating lots of cinnamon rolls before a run does not feel good (this has happened too many times to count). My sis and I did a 4 mile run/walk and it didn’t feel very great. Someday I’ll start training hard again.
We had Christmas dinner up at my aunt’s house and it included the normal Christmas food and it was delicious.
My cousin gave me the three best presents: chocolate bar, diet coke and a TJ’s gift card. She knows me all too well.
The beautiful pies that Mer brought. The oreo one on the end won everyone’s heart.
And just like that Christmas is over.
I made it through my first Christmas post divorce… yes, I did clap for myself when I went to bed last night.
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What was the best part about your Christmas?
What did you get this year?
Did you run on Christmas?
101 comments
Heidi @ Idlehidd
Brooke looks like she had a lot of fun and I love that idea of running through the wrapping paper! I got a spa gift card for after the baby arrives:) Glad you had a good day!
Darrah
These are great pictures and looks like you are doing a great job living in the moment!
The best part of my Christmas is always time with family. This year it will be extended because my sister lives far away (Michigan while we are in PA) and she and her family will get here early Saturday morning! Extra Christmas for us!
I did not get a run in- holidays make it so easy to be accidentally lazy- but that’s on the list for today
I think my favorite gift was a purple Kate Spade purse I’d been eyeing ;)
Glad you had a great day!
Darrah
Sanaz @ runforcake
Love that kitchen! We got the same one for my daughter in pink. She loves it! I started my day with a 5 mile run and got a ton of lululemon gear from Santa and everything else I asked for :) can’t complain.
We had our whole family over for dinner and it was so fun cooking for everyone.
Looks like you had a great Christmas too. Yay for many more.
Ps running through wrapping paper is a genius idea.
Megan
I got a ton of kitchen gadgets I had been dying for! Looks like you guys had a great day! You are getting a hang of this being awesome on your own thing, Merry Christmas!
Elizabeth @ my neon running shoes
Glad you got through it ok. I can’t imagine how hard that would be but I thought of you! It can only go up from here, right? :) Love ya!
Sarah@pickyrunner
Aw I’m glad you not only survived but seemed to enjoy your Christmas this year! I would eat all the cinnamon rolls even though my run wouldn’t feel good too- worth it. That wrapping paper idea is a awesome tradition!
Runner Girl Eats
Glad you had a great day<3 running through wrapping paper is genius! Such a fun idea. Best part of my Christmas was eating cookies for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. I'm having a serious sugar hangover today though!!
Erika
What a great day you had. Spending time with family makes my day great. Santa left me running gear in my stocking and I was a happy girl. My best present though was a run with my husband. Three kids later and this rarely happens!
Linda @running4two
Sounds like a great Christmas. :-) You can do hard things, right?!?
Best part of my day was watching Annabelle play with her new toys… The winner is def Elmo!
Rahymzhan
One of my very favorite tgnihs about having an etsy shop is wrapping up the orders. I ADORE wrapping tgnihs for other people, especially around the holidays because everything looks so festive! :D
Dana
super cute ! Those pies look awesome!
Glad it was a wonderful Christmas! xo
Erica
You did it!
You deserve a sleep in kind of morning. Hope you are reading this no earlier than 10 am.
Amy
Glad you and Brooke had a great Christmas!
My favorite gift was a new puppy for the family!
I planned for my rest day to fall on Christmas so no run this year.
Caitlin dunlevy
Love those Jammieon Brooke!
Jackie
You’re so strong janae. Always an inspiration!
Nikki @ grab your kicks
Looks like you had a great Christmas! Those pies look really good! I had a great Christmas, no run on Christmas, but hoping to get at it today!
Becky
I’m so glad you had a good Christmas! I didn’t get to run on Christmas, but I am planning on it today! I had such a fantastic Christmas just spending time with my family and seeing the looks on their faces when they opened the gifts I got them. Oh and of course eating a lot of food. :) I enjoyed cinnamon rolls too; you just have to on Christmas!
courtney
congrats, sweetie! i’m sure it wasn’t easy, but really proud of you for keeping it positive throughout the whole christmas season– for both you and brooke! xx
Brooke
Let your dreams be bigger than your memories HRG!
I’m on Christmas #2 post divorce and I swear they get better. Creating new traditions helps the most. Oh and I ran a frosty 4 miles yesterday and loved every second. I have been stuck inside on the treadmill so being outside was fantastic and I would have ran forever if it weren’t Christmas and people were waiting for me!
Brooke
Sweet & Sweaty
Nicole @Pink Elephant on Parade
I have heard that Elmo’s name was designed specifically to appeal to kids in the 2-3 year old range but as a 28 year old I still really enjoy saying it.
I chose not to run! And I couldn’t be happier.
Kristi
I had every intention of running of Christmas, but it wouldn’t warm up quite enough for me to get myself together to get out there.
I was so excited to see my daughter open her Christmas presents. I think that was my favorite part from the holiday season.
Gracie (Complicated Day)
Merry Christmas! You created a beautiful holiday full of traditions for Brooke.
Kathy
I got a Fitbit Force….so I better get off my butt and start racking up some steps!!
I loved Big Bird and Cookie Monster as a kid and had both in stuffed animal form….ahhhh, kind of wish I still had them now. ;-(
Susan
Bless your heart! I am proud of you, Janae! Keep being awesome. Best part was sharing with family. I didn’t run on Christmas since I ran the 23rd, 24th and today. Just took my dog for a 2 mile walk which she loved.
Cyanne (RunStretchGo)
I got in 1.5 miles yesterday afternoon. It had finally warmed up to 15 degrees, but the sidewalks were covered in more than a foot of snow and the roads were icy/slushy so it was like running in wet sand.
Megan @ Meg Go Run
Looks like you had a great day! I did run on Christmas but I had to get it done dark and early before anyone else got up.
Heather Murphy
What a gorgeous view for your run! It looks like you guys had a great Christmas, and running through the wrapping paper is too funny! I might steal that idea. :)
julia
The best Part of Christmas was when my 5 year old thought Santa forgot Deadpool Lego and then the last gift he opened was the kit from Mommy and Daddy’ He took it pretty wellsaying how lucky and happy he was to get Spiderman Lego.
My favorite gift was a sitting fee and pictures for a family portrait session. Ran for the first time in 10 days this morning. Too hard to fit running in over Christmas when you bake for a living and have a 1 yr old and a 5 yr old.
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
Looks like you had a lovely Christmas! You’re so right…. Christmas is gone in a flash. I surprisingly did get out for a run, even though I wasn’t planning on it, I get in a quick 6miles. It felt pretty good to work off some of those cookies. ;)
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots
Aw it looks liked Brooke had a fantastic Xmas! Congrats! I’m sure the day wasn’t easy for you but Brooke and your family is all you need!
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
I feel like that would just be adorable to hear Brooke talking on the phone to Elmo. Yay congrats to you!!!! That would be a huge accomplishment in my book! I got lots of food, apparently everyone know the way to my heart :). I ran on Christmas Eve, and lifted weights on Christmas day.
Irene
Looks like you made the best of a very tough day. Brooke looks very very happy!
Don’t worry about your runs. I love something Kristin Armstrong wrote about how running will always be there waiting for you when you need it again. You’ll know when the time is right. When I have been in rough patches (usually physically) and don’t feel very fit, I repeat the phrase “mentally strong” or “emotionally strong” to myself during my whole pathetic run. Writing that out sounds ridiculous but it does honestly help me!
Jenn
Yay for making it through the first Christmas! A complete rest day was so nice yesterday.
Liana@RunToMunch
Ran 10 miles on christmas and got a marathon for my present!
Monica
Best part of my very low key Christmads was the Doctor Who special (I know). I ran 2 1/2 miles after consuming WAY too much monkey bread. Glad you made it through Christmas okay. Thank God for friends and family! God bless you Janae!
Katie
I did run on Christmas, too! I ran about 4 miles after eating a chocolate truffle (I went early and that was a my breakfast). I wanted to get out early so I could eat lots of yummy food later in the day!
Laura
Looks like you had a fabulous day but I don’t doubt that aspects of it were hard. But you had your sweet girl by your side :) I’ll clap for you, too!
No running for me…only 5 days post-baby so I’ve got a little time to wait.
[email protected]
Good for you and im proud of how well you did. I can’t imagine how hard it must be but remember…we can do hard things
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
Best part of christmas was hanging out with the family! I haven’t seen them all since Thanksgiving and that felt like too long ago :) I’m glad you guys had a great Christmas!!!
Courtney W
That running through wrapping paper thing is awesome! Definitely doing that for my girls next Christmas!
Emmeline @RunForThePizza
I ran Christmas morning but ate cookie dough cheesecake beforehand which definitely wasn’t the best plan.
I love the athlete entrance through the wrapping paper! Your Christmas looks like it was a blast :)
Bethany
We traveled to Whistler, BC for Christmas. Last year in Seattle was lonely with out our family. We had a great time here. We had an amazing dinner. and I ran 8 miles in the village.
Naturally Carly
I had a great 5 mile run with a friend early on Christmas morning. It was so cold that I couldn’t get warm enough when I got home even in sweats. :)
I’m glad you and Brooke had a great time, and that you were surrounded by love and family.
Flower
The best part of my Christmas was watching my Husband and my Son make our Christmas dinner together.
And my son bought me a Garmin Forerunner 620, I know, I AM spoiled. Unfortunately, I did not use it on Christmas because I am sick and couldn’t run.
I love the run through wrapping paper thing, that’s awesome!
Carina
12 days of Christmas, keep it going until Epiphany!
amy
Looks like u had a busy day. Way to go Janae, you did it!
Brooke’s jolly face is precious.
No run for me yesterday, today is my run day. Good for you for attempting your run though. I’m going to try and eat less jumk today. Wish me luck.
I didnt really get alot of gifts yesterday and I didnt even care.
The best thing I saw though was all 4 of my kids were so happy with the picture of Jesus that I wrapped up for them. They hugged the picture. This was after they had opened all their toys too. Made my day.
Ann
Glad you made it through your Christmas! :)
The best part of mine was having my boyfriend home to celebrate our son’s first Christmas. He works on the opposite side of the country and was supposed to go back to work on the 23rd but they surprised everyone with a few extra days off.
april
i’m glad you made it through yesterday! you are so strong – always inspiring to me :) it looks like you had a wonderful christmas with brooke & the rest of your family.
trader joe’s gift cards are the best presents! i scored 2 whole foods gift cards from my family, yay!
Missy @Miles with Missy
Congrats on a successful first post divorce Christmas! I would totally clap too!!
I did a 7 mile treadmill run, but today I finally get to run outside! Meaning we have a windchill that is above zero :)
I found a Tiffany bracelet in my stocking yesterday!
Marissa
Best part of Christmas was definitely being with the family. It also totally made my day that my nephew told me my hot chocolate (thanks Pinterest!) was better than his grandma’s and that nothing is usually better than his grandma’s (yay!). The hubby made most of my gifts which totally warmed my heart. No run on Christmas :)
Debbie @ Deb Runs
It was a bittersweet Christmas being the first one since we lost my dad, but having a new baby come a little early was so wonderful! My great-nephew (and my dad’s namesake) was born yesterday morning!
I love Brooke’s kitchen. She can make lots of pretend cinnamon rolls with it! Congrats on making it through your first post-divorce Christmas. Family and friends make all of those firsts much more bearable!
No running for me yesterday, but we’ll go on a longer run later today!
Sue
I’m not sure why it makes me so happy to see Brooke holding Big Bird, but it does. Maybe because it’s a classic from my childhood and it makes me smile to see the “up and comings” still appreciate it.
I’m glad you clapped for yourself. It’s a rough day when things are not ideal. I didn’t clap for myself, perhaps I should have.
The Hungry Runner Girl
You can clap for yourself now:)
Jen
Looks like a great time!!
I actually did a run after eating a ginormous cinnamon roll last week (I think I even posted about it…lol). It was AWFUL so I know what you went through. I ended up doing 4 miles of run/walking and I was miserable.
Lesson learned.
But the cinnamon roll was delish. :)
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I can’t even imagine how difficult it must have been, but I’m glad to see that you still managed to have an awesome Christmas :) Mine was a little more low-key than I’m used to since my mom was sick and she’s the one that plans/preps everything, but it was still nice to be able to spend a little more time with my family.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
You are amazing girlfriend! Looks like you had a wonderful day filled with lots of love. Hugs!
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life
Brooke and her phone <3 So adorable! I love the idea of running through wrapping paper. What a fun way to start off the morning!! Christian made me a customized mug & bought me a super sweet necklace- easily my favorite present <3 You're so strong, Janae! I just clapped for you too :)
Kim N
Congrats on making it through your first Christmas post divorce. The holidays are a rough time to be single. I’ve been struggling myself since this is the first time I’ve been single in the last 8-9 years of 2 long term back to back relationships. I know being able to spend it with Brooke definitely made the whole situation better, because I know spending quality time with my dog has gotten me through my rough times. Happy holidays Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I am so sorry you are struggling right now too but congrats on making it through the holidays! So glad you have your dog! You are amazing!
Tammie Brenton
You deserve a clap! Your family is precious! I did run on Christmas just a mile to keep the streak alive but this morning I did 8 miles with 10×400 at 5k pace. It was hard but felt good to purge all that holiday sugar out of my body. You will get back to training hard but stress is a tough work out too. Hang in there!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much Tammie! You are so right and great job on a killer workout!
Kayla @ Fit Life Forward
We had a very non traditional Christmas day. Both sides of our parents were out of the state on warmer vacations so we invited over a ton of friends and had a cocktail party. There ended up being about 12 of us so it was a big success. I think that we might make it an annual thing! Glad you had a successful Christmas too!
Megan @ that running girl
Glad you had an awesome Christmas! It looks like you got to spend some quality time with family.
I got a lot of great gifts this year, but my favorites were all of the running accessories that my husband stuffed in my stocking. It’s great motivation to get out there and run!
PS, those cakes look awesome!
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
It looks like you and Brooke had a great Christmas and it doesn’t get better than being surrounded by friends and family! Enjoy the rest of your week :)
Leigha @ Minougirl
I did 2 miles.. it’s better than nothing! For Christmas I got my very first GARMIN! Yay!!! GO Janae for making it through the day! Just think that you got to spend it all with your amazing family :)
Jen@milesandblessings
I did 6 miles yesterday…..but I am having a hard time getting my mojo going with running too!!! :). I LOVE the whole burst through the wrapping paper!!! How fun! Brooke’s kitchen looks amazing…it will get her ready for all the baking she will love to do when she is older!
I am sure the holidays are the hardest…way to make it through and with some great pictures on top of it! Hang in there you are doing great!
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run.
Congrats on getting through it in what looks like great style! It looks like you guys thoroughly enjoyed yourselves. I love the running through the wrapping paper thing – very cute!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
Aww, Brooke looks so happy! It’s great to hear that you had such a nice Christmas Janae. And the running through wrapping paper thing is kind of really amazing.
Jenn S.
You made sure Brooke had a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends and that’s wonderful :).
Favorite part of Christmas: watching my two year old run downstairs to see the tree and presents! As for me, I got the book “Hyperbole and a Half” and it’s hilarious!!! The run will be tonight as I couldn’t possibly run yesterday morning and miss out on seeing my little guy’s face. Merry Christmas and all of the best to you and Brooke for 2014!!
Teresa@The Chronicles of a {Not So} Supermom
The best part of my Christmas was watching my babies with their new toys. Of course they pretty much played with the wrapping paper too, but it was still cute!
Mommy got new Brooks Adrenalines so I was pretty happy, too!
runningwithscissors
My best Christmas present was running 5 miles pain free on my almost recovered Achilles. Glad you made it through the day. ;)
Kathy McElhaney
My entire day was unique and amazing. We’ve lived on Oahu since January and will be moving back to California in February, so we made the day huge. It included watching the sunrise, hiking Koko Head Crater, beach time, shrimp on the North Shore, watching the sunset from Waikiki and pizza for dinner!
Cheers to you for making it through your first Christmas, Janae! Brooke shows us all what a great mommy you are, surrounded by a great family.
Jessica @ Pug-Run-Aholic
Aww Brooke is so adorable! I would have loved to have that kitchen set when I was her age!
Jan
Getting the kids to run through the wrapping paper looks like such a great idea! Looks like some great presents to get to as well! I was very lucky to get lovely books and dvds but I was too stuffed after all the food we ate to go for a run!
Holly
I am clapping for you too!! Looks like a great Christmas!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Merry Christmas!! <3
Rachel Rinderknecht
What a fun Christmas! I love being able to spend time with my family on Christmas :) I even got a few “surprise” presents that were a lot of fun. Baking with my mom and sis was a blast as well because it isn’t often that we get to bake together.
Nicole MacDougall
I found the first of everything is the hardest. Creating a new normal is the key and you are doing an excellent job of that. Hold you head high! You are an amazing mother! Happy Holidays! Nicole
char eats greens
I hope this Christmas was just a good as any you celebrated in the past pre-divorce :) I know it’s probably so tough, but good thing for amazing family around you! I hope that you guys had a good Christmas!!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Glad to hear you had a great Christmas! I love that idea of running through wrapping paper haha.
I got the “Sweat Once a Day” bag from Lululemon, so I’m happy as a clam!
Laura H.
Looks like it was a great Christmas, all things considered! I am jealous of your cinnamon buns. I completely forget to get some of those. Oh well, maybe I can make them for New Year’s day instead….
Got another pair of Pure Flows, and might use a gift card to pick up another pair…love love love the diva pink, and will be sad when they are gone!! My favorite part of Christmas was time with family. And pecan tassies. :)
michelle kim
I didn’t run but I did a really hard Bosu ball workout (dripping in sweat in five minutes).
Such wonderful pictures (especially the one of Brooke throwing her head back in a hearty laugh, hehe)! I got a Algenist skincare set, which is just what I needed!
Rachel
You deserve to clap for yourself. My mom has been divorced for over 15 years, and she still claps for herself every single Christmas when she makes it through. Christmas is a hard time of year for lots of people, and your positive outlook on it is how I think everyone should deal with it! You’re wonderful!
Marilyn
I’m so so glad your Christmas was a good one. Cheers. :)
Ashlyn
You are so so incredible. I have always looked up to you in so many ways!! Even when growing up and you would play with Jenn i would think – she is AWESOME! You are loved by so many and I know that the Lord is aware of every feeling you have. It’s hard not say “I love you” to someone so incredible like you, so when i say “I love you” – i mean it! I love you Janae! And so does your Savior:)
Stephanie
You are amazing, and your daughter is beautiful!! You a very fortunate to have your loving family around you during the holidays :)
New christmas tradition i started this year…run to my aunts house after presents at my parents :) 7 miles wearing santa stockings at 9 am- love the looks i got :) (PS- weather here in NorCal is beautiful, i ran in a tank, shorts and glasses). Followed by cleaning stalls and riding a few horses. Christmas presents: hand made table shipped down from my dad (in AK), and a new saddle pad for my horsee. Best part of Christmas is spending time with my family, and watching my sisters open their gifts.
Nikki @ will run for pizza
I’m clapping for you too! Speaking from experience, it definitely helps having a great family! Love the running through wrapping paper tradition! I’m taking notes on traditions reading everyone’s blogs for when I have my own little herd.
Cheri
I love these photos!
I did run on Christmas. We celebrated with some Chinese food and some movies, and while I was waiting on our order, I snuck in a run, and ended up on a golf course, as I’m totally not as familiar with this area as I thought! Your holiday looked fantastic!
Losing Lindy
You have handled the situation so classy. Keep it up!
I love the pictures of all of the fun you had.
Molly Rose
Christmas was with the in-laws this year; always harder for me. I’m selfish and like being with my fam best :)
I ran 3.5ish miles with my BIL and SIL (<– HRG move right there)
I pictured you literally clapping for yourself and that made me smile. Way to go. Stay strong :)
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run
I really want to do the running through the wrapping paper thing – that’s awesome!
Lauren @Will Run for Boston
Merry Merry Christmas girl! Brooke is so sweet in all these photos!
Kay
I’m glad that you had such a fun and delicious Christmas!!
PeachyLau
You defo deserve a clap. Enjoy the diet coke! x
karla @ finding my fit
I’m clapping for you too :)
If it’s any consolation, Tyler and I took our break to a complete break up on Christmas Day. Nothing says holiday cheer like tears and anger.
Anywhooo. Give me those pies!
Becky @ TheBexFactor.com
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas <3
Holly
You are SO strong. Love you girls so much! XO
Kelly
I slept after presents :) I got a blender ahha
bridget
does b spend any time with brooke? im surprised he wasn’t there for Christmas. I know its not my business and I don’t mean to bother you, just curious. Im proud of you!
Lisa @ runningoutofwine
In between all of the traveling I did this week I got in runs almost every day, including Christmas morning. I had to go really early on Christmas and it was so peaceful outside. I got lots of running clothes for Christmas:)
Niki
That wrapping paper idea is awesome! Congrats on surviving the first Christmas!!
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