Friday, December 24, 2021

Christmas Eve

 I thought I'd take a few minutes to check-in before the flurry of activities begins for the day. Later, several of Ward's family members will be joining us for Christmas Eve lunch, some of which we haven't seen in a few years. I'm not sure how many because COVID has skewed my sense of time. Things are either pre-COVID or now. Let's just say some of the relatives we haven't seen since pre-COVID. Also, I appreciate the efforts the visitors are making to make this gathering as safe as it can be. 

Yesterday we figured out how we were going to accommodate the group for lunch because we have turned our dining room into an office and our eat-in kitchen is not big enough. Ward made a table top to go over a banquet table which we have set up in the living room. I've always thought the living room was bigger than it needed to be, but on these special occasions, maybe not. 

We planned the menu (ham, mac and cheese) last week and are in pretty good shape as far as that goes. Of course, several things can't be made ahead of time, so there will be the standard last-minute flurry in the kitchen. BTW, we are having some of my family over for Christmas with an entirely different menu (smoked pulled pork) and we worked on that yesterday.

Wally arrived last night and has some work that he needs to do today, and I anticipate that Theo will get a slow start today after working for 12 hours yesterday and many 10 hour days before that. I think that means that Ward and I are up for the last-minute house straightening that still needs to be done. Since some of the visitors have never been here, we will be giving house tours.

I'm done with my wrapping, but I think others have some gift wrapping that needs to be done before the crowd arrives. Now if we could just find the bucket of bows. The gift wrap, both every day and Christmas, lives under the bed in the guest room. Always has. With the paper, was a bucket of bows that are yet to be seen this year. They'll probably show up somewhere around the first of February. :)

I think it's time for me to move on to other things now.

Merry Christmas! Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.

Until next time...


10 comments:

  1. I know you will get everything done! Enjoy your time with the family and Merry Christmas!

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    Replies
    1. Yesterday was a very enjoyable day with Ward's family and I am looking forward to the same today with my family.

      Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Anne, for you and your family!

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  2. Replies
    1. We did have a good time. The weather cooperated, so we were able to gather outside on our porch.

      Merry Christmas, Strayer!

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  3. Cats under the tree are so adorable!

    Good luck with all of your entertaining. I always get stressed with cleaning and then realize that people aren't really there for the white glove test. My gift to you is that you will be smarter than I am and you don't sweat the small stuff. :)

    Speaking of Lost Things (like your bows) .... I bought candy and cute little Japanese erasers for our advent calendar this year. I filled in all the boxes and then put the leftovers somewhere safe. Where is this safe place, you may ask????? Wish I knew. Sigh.

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    Replies
    1. Since we were giving entire house tours to some first time visitors, the house was straightened/cleaned more than it might have been. And good enough was good enough.

      Maybe the bows and erasers have run off together. :)

      Merry Christmas, Kris, to you and your family!

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  4. Love the picture! Someone is keeping watch over the presents, I see! :D

    Enjoy your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day family gatherings. May you and your family have a very blessed and joyous Christmas.

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    Replies
    1. The cats are older now, so instead of playing with all of the ornaments, they guard them. :)

      Annie and Leo, wish Dancer and his family a Merry Christmas!

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  5. Replies
    1. Thanks, Akasha! Have a Merry Christmas with your daughter and family!

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