Christmas Traditions

Every family has their traditions, and one of the things I appreciated and miss the most, is my family's Christmas Eve tradition.

I think it started when my older sister had kids, so my parents didn't have to compete with the in-laws. Nevertheless, it was nice to spend a chaotic evening with parents, kids and grandkids. Because my youngest sisters were marginally older than older sis's kids, it seems that there were always lots of youngsters around. My younger sis and I had our kids around the same time, so that by that time older sister's kids were 11, 10 and 9. The last of mom and dad's grandkids were born in 1989 and 1991.

The tradition included a turkey and stuffing dinner, just like Thanksgiving until mom and dad were no longer able to cook dinner. Finally, a nice simple ham with pot luck dinner at Diane's house with the family. This was followed by watching the kids open their gifts and a normal or not-so-normal gift exchange among the adults! Oh my, we laughed so hard!

Older brother and his wife, and my DH and I and older daughter have all moved away from our home state to warmer climes.

This year, we are starting a new tradition here in Mid Tennessee, whereby DH finds a place for us to dine out on Christmas Eve. Last year we tried this and the only place really open at 6 p.m. was Steak & Shake. After we got our food we were asked to hurry up and eat as they were closing at 6:30. We'll see how that works out!

Merry Christmas everyone!