One of my favorite recent questions I’ve received for Magpie Mail: what is your Christmas morning menu? For the past many years, we have spent Christmas morning in transit from my parents’ to Mr. Magpie’s. Even though they live only twenty minutes from one another, Christmas morning has always seemed a little harried — quickly packing, opening stockings with my parents, scarfing down an English muffin, kissing everyone goodbye, and hurrying out the door to celebrate the holiday across Chain Bridge. Mr. Magpie has been advocating for Christmas morning at home, as a nuclear family, one year soon. I think that year might be next year, as mini will be nearly four (!) next Christmas and I think things will start to click for her. I am fairly confident we’ll celebrate the occasion with one or several of the following recipes:
ONE-BOWL OVERNIGHT CINNAMON ROLLS
CHRISSY TEIGEN’S CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST
MANDARIN ORANGES
WILLIAMS-SONOMA CROISSANTS (V. GOOD — HAVE GIFTED THESE MANY TIMES; SERVE WITH PLUGRA BUTTER AND BONNE MAMAN JAMS)
*We always bake ours in the oven at 375 for about 30 minutes. We now have a quirky process where we’ll crinkle up sheets of foil and lay the strips across (never over-crowded!) so the grease can drip off the bacon and it always turns out perfectly. All of the best bacon in the world, I’m convinced, comes from old-school butchers in Chicago, IL. We loved the bacon at Gepperth’s and Paulina Meat Market back when we lived out there.
**These are the only waffles I will ever make. THEY ARE SO GOOD. THEY ARE RIDICULOUS. THEY ARE THE BEST THINGS YOU WILL EVER EAT. I have this waffle iron, and it works beautifully. More of my favorite recipes here and here, and my favorite kitchen gear here.
Of course, you will need adorable Christmas jammies to complete the moment. For myself, I am loving Lake Pajamas, a classic poplin pajama set in a fun wintry print, or a new pair of “dreamy” jams from J. Crew (I own several pairs of their “dreamy” pants and they are just the best).
For little ones…
THESE STUNNING TARTAN NIGHTIES FROM DANIEL + SOFIA (SEEN ABOVE)
PETITE PLUME (I BOUGHT MINI AND MICRO THEIR TARTAN JAMMIES AND MINI ALSO HAS THIS NIGHTGOWN)
THESE IN THE TARTAN (PERFECT FOR MULTI-SIBLING/COUSIN COORDINATION) OR CANDY CANE
THESE TOY SOLDIERS (OR THIS STUNNING TOY SOLDIER NIGHTGOWN!)
THIS SANTA PRINT NIGHTGOWN ($10!)
P.S. Don’t forget slippers! Love these, and mini had these last Christmas and was obsessed with them.
P.P.S. Not exactly sleepwear, but if you have a baby, a Christmas-oriented coverall/playsuit is a great idea for holiday travel days when you want them comfortable but warm. I have been obsessed with these ones from Little English for micro and have bought him a new pair in every new size he hits. The softest cotton! Also love this nutcracker pair (currently 30% off!).
Not sure if you’re familiar with the Pancake Princess, but she does fantastic bake offs with a very satisfying science/data focus. She recently did on one biscuits. Callie’s was in the running, but this year I’m taking her suggestion and going with her winning recipe from Serious Eats! https://www.thepancakeprincess.com/2019/05/30/best-biscuit-bake-off/
WOW! Did not know about her and am instantly hooked. Thank you! xx
My parents stopped traveling to the grandparents for Christmas once my sister and I were toddlers and I think it was the right choice. I really loved our Christmas mornings at home just us. And it lead to the development of another favorite tradition- our Boxing Day party on the 26th! That’s when we finally get together with all the friends and family without any of the pre-holiday frenzy. Everyone is more relaxed but still very festive.
LOVE that idea! Maybe we will even plan to go visit parents the day after Christmas instead of prior…
xx
LOVE those Lake Pajamas! I picked up a summery dress + pajama set during their summer sample sale and am waiting for a winter version 😉
I also am intrigued by the waffle recipe … I have a waffle iron that I rarely use, and this seems like just the trick to get me to pull it out!
Christmas morning is so much fun and I agree, once there are kids in the picture, it’s easier to spend the morning as a nuclear family!
xx
I know, I am curious whether Lake will run a Black Friday promo. (#eyespeeled).
DO try these waffles! They are absolutely delicious. The yeast gives them this insanely rich taste. SO good.
Had to chime in and say I saw on IG that Lake is running a Black Friday sale where everything will be marked down! In the past they have only marked down select styles. They are such a good gift for all the ladies in your life (and now they have men’s and kids too…very intriguing!)
Ooo very good to know! Will absolutely be checking them out on Black Friday. xx
Thanks so much for the intel, M — this is amazing news!