Family Christmas Party

I know Christmas is over, but I wanted to share just a bit more from our celebrations before we head into the new year.

On Sunday we had our extended family Christmas party. My sweetie made Cafe Rio-style pork and fixings for regular tacos as well. We got everything all set up by the time family started showing up around 5:30, and by the time everyone arrived, we had about 40 people here.

It was crowded and crazy and fun! After dinner we spread paper over the tables and each family was given a gingerbread house kit to complete that my dad generously purchased for us. He even offered a $5 prize to the most creative house!

When we were finished with the gingerbread houses, Santa (aka sweetie) stopped by for a visit. He handed out fun little gifts for each child under the age of 18. I teased Princess a little, reminding her that this was her last opportunity to sit on Santa's knee at the family Christmas party. I think it made her a little sad.

After Santa made his way to the front door, we served up the eggnog shakes and family members exchanged gifts. My youngest brother put together a huge binder for each of us full of family history stories! I have had a little time to go through it and I am very excited to share it with my kids.

It was about 9:00 by the time the last family members climbed into their cars and headed for home. Hosting a Christmas party for my siblings is one of my favorite traditions. Like many families, we just don't get together often enough and I love this excuse to have them all over to catch up on our busy lives.

Did you get a chance to meet up with extended family over the holidays?