Inside: Tonight we hold our Christmas Eve traditions. We actually celebrate the night before rather than December 25. Come along for a peek into how my family does Christmas.
It starts with a small feast. New and old favorites. Ducks and rice, deer roast, mini pizzas, smoked turkey cheese balls, sausage, cheese, ham, dips, chips, rye bread, pies, and cookies. Plenty of cookies.
And great conversations around the dinner table.
When we’ve all had our fill, we gather around the Christmas tree to hear Emily read the Christmas story.
Mom asks Ricci to sing “Silent Night,” and we join in. Followed by an impromptu version of “Last Christmas” from Jeremy, Ricci, and family.
Time to hand out presents. Jeremy has been doing this probably since he learned to read. In a flurry of paper and thank-yous and “how did you know I wanted this,” gifts are unwrapped and treasured. Homemade goodies from Mom, along with an orange and apple–just like she received as a child.
And the paper covers the floor. And some of it flies.
Then it’s time for more conversation and last-minute nibbling.
Until the hour grows late. And the adults get sleepy. And it’s time to pack up and go. Hugs and thank-yous and Merry Christmas.
And grateful hearts. For the family we cherish. For the gifts we’ve received.
For a Babe in a manger, the best gift of all.
Resources and related posts:
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 1: Our Hillbilly Christmas Wreath 2019!
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 2: An Unforgettable Small Town
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 3: Cookies From Christmases Past
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 4: For Whom the Christmas Bells Toll
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 5: Smoked Turkey Cheese Ball
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 6: Of Hair Combs and Watch Chains
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 7: Homespun Christmas Ball Ornaments
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 8: A Couple of Misfits
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 9: Nutballs
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 10: Christmas is for the Birds
Posts from a year ago:
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 11: Stable Reflections
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 10: Festive Simmering Potpourri
From two years ago:
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 11: It’s Okay to Say ‘Merry Christmas’
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 10: Simple Ornaments
Patsy Reiter
Looks wonderful, and I made the smoked turkey cheese balls. Yummy! Thanks. Patsy