For the past four years, we’ve been hosting a Yankee swap for friends in Los Angeles. A few weeks ago, we had our fourth annual swap. It caused me to look back on years past and remember our four Christmases on Mansfield.

Our first Christmas tree in Los Angeles.

We’re all sitting on the floor because we didn’t have chairs or furniture yet. Those two in black got engaged that night.

In 2009, the hot gift was the slanky (aka the fake snuggie) of which there were two to win!

The 2009 tree, in all its glory and all its Yankee Swap gifts.

2010 brought presents that people were VERY excited about…such as coloring supplies.

And mustaches for all.

2010 also brought another lovely tree.

2011 brought some new faces.

And some exciting gifts.

And a baby tree to replace the big ones that always seem to leave a trail…

2011 marked our fourth yankee swap, and I’d say it was an overall success. Here’s to a fifth anniversary next holiday season, but for now, a Happy Holidays to everyone off in their own corners of the country – I miss you, LA family!