Of all of the Christmas traditions and memories that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of for the last 40 positive yr – there is not a single one that can match what is now recognise to everyone in my extended family as “ Christmas Night at Grandma ’s House . ”
former Christmas computer memory of my Dad – yes , I have on my favorite slippered pajamas !
“ Grandma ” is actually my mom – and although she will turn 90 this coming year – she still host the entire family at her sign on Christmas night – a custom I can recall all the way back to when I slid around the kitchen floor in my slippered - bottom pajama .
Early Christmas memories of my Dad – yes, I have on my favorite slippered pajamas!
As the youngest of 6 – I can enjoin you that even beyond the excitation of Christmas dawning and what might be under the tree – I always looked forward most to Christmas night . It was then that my old Sister , who were newly marital and starting families of their own – would make their way back to Mom and Dad ’s house along with Aunts and Uncles for Christmas dinner – and a night of game , cards , intellectual nourishment and fun .
The tradition carried on yr after class , and with each raw sibling that tie and began a family line of their own – “ Christmas Night at Grandma ’s ” grew a little boastful . And it still grows today – some 40 years later . In fact , at last reckoning – some 60 to 65 of us will all make it back this Christmas night to , in the simplest of words – lionize Christmas and Family .
Young cousins at their own “ table ” at Christmas
Young cousins at their own “table” at Christmas
It always unfolds in the same gamy manner . First – everyone arrives through the back door , with arms full of food and youngster in towage – and before long , you ca n’t move or hear from all of the 50 or so conversation go on . We all laugh each year that with a all-embracing exposed theater – the party always get with 60 of us smack dab in the kitchen . I always finger a fiddling good-for-naught for first - time girl or boyfriends that are bring to the event – I ’m sure they have to be wondering what they get themselves into !
At some level , Grandma gets enough of us to finally make our room downstairs to the cellar that my Dad finished over 40 age ago to concur these events . I am indisputable if he were alive today , he would be mighty proud to see his extended family enjoying the fruit of his labor .
Grandma delight time with one of her many great grandchild
Grandma enjoying time with one of her many great grandchildren
The pot - fortune dinner party , which is always scheduled to begin at 5 or 5.30 , really begin each year nearer to 6.30 because of all of the hurly burly , talk and merriment .
After dinner and a spirited white - elephant family gift exchange that is more mirthful than anything else – we terminate the evening with another long - standing tradition – “ The Family Film ’ . A full featured picture put together by my chum each twelvemonth from hundred of exposure and video consider by each of the families . The film has grown so popular that each family member now has their own personal DVD collection of each yr ’s film .
But no matter what – it is the family time that mean the most .
The “family” at a reunion this past summer – a little bigger every year!
I am quite positive if you asked any of my four babe or brother – any of the 18 grandchildren – 16 great - grandchild , in - laws , young man and special node that are in attending each year what they look forward to most about Christmas Night at Grandmas – it would have everything to do with family and togetherness – and not a single thing to do with presents or anything “ commercialized ” about Christmas . It is real , it is fun – it is tatty – and more than anything else – it is about family .
The “ family ” at a reunification this past summer – a little big every twelvemonth !
Over the years , there have been many that have come to the one-year gather that are no longer with us – and every class , at the blessing before dinner , we take meter to remember them and their memory as well .
At any point of any year you’re able to look around at everyone that is forgather – see them playing cards , telling stories , laugh and with kids play – and clear , it simply does n’t get any good . Sometimes I have to stop and realize how fortunate we have all been to be brought up in a fellowship that values FAMILY .
So with that , from our menage to yours , we bid each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy , Healthy and Prosperous New Year .
Jim and Mary
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