Christmas Eve with Family

What a blessing to have family around on Christmas Eve. Oliver had spent the day with me and as time drew near for family to arrive he was intent on watching me light candles and make the house ready for guests.
For Christmas Eve each year, Melanie' family, Mary's family and my daughters and husbands, all show up at supper time for an evening of eating, talking, eating, talking, opening gifts, eating, and then did I mention talking. I think this year I counted about 24 people sitting around talking, laughing and enjoying the company of family. We were missing Candise and her girls and Laura, John and Danya. Chris dropped Alyssa and Jocelyn off late into the evening and we got to see them for a bit. It is always an event that I look forward to each year and hope to continue with it for many more years.

Thanks to all who came and shared in the evening. Let's do it again next year! Maybe we can fit more people in the living room and Phil, I promise to have the green Christmas wreaths just for you!