Tonight was our annual extended family Christmas party. We started this tradition at least a dozen years ago, and I look forward to it every year. It is a chance to get my brothers and sisters together and visit and share memories and good food.
We decided to do a baked potato bar this year and that made the food super easy. My siblings brought salads and without counting, I'm thinking we were about 45 in number. After dinner we made cute Christmas nativity ornaments (I love the Oriental Trading Company for craft kits!) and talked about weddings and school and missionaries. 
Grandpa told us all a beautiful story and then shared his testimony with us. Santa stopped by for a visit (my sweetie does such a great job playing the jolly old elf!) and then we shared gifts and eggnog shakes. I gave out Tupperware bowls with popcorn and a movie. Everyone seemed very pleased. :)
Gifts are always fun, but just being together as a family, sharing memories of Grandma and taking note of the changes in each family unit are my favorite parts. My Little Sis is having her baby next week and she nicely posed for this cute picture.Did you have a family party this year? If not, then you should. Families were meant to be close and even though none of us are perfect, Christmas is the best time to bring everyone together in the spirit of love and forgiveness.
I hope your holidays are merry and bright, filled with happiness and goodwill, family and friends.
Oh I wish my family lived close enough to have a party! We are spread out across 5 states that aren't exactly close to each other --Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania. We may be together sometime next year for a wedding and that will be super exciting!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Sandy!
Oh, I think that is so awesome. The party sounded perfect.
ReplyDeleteWe did have a get together with my husband's family and it was sweet. Last night we had our family from Heber down and of course, it was awesome.
Over New Years we will have two of our families here for a few days.
I wish I had all my children near but I will take what I can get.
Happy that you had a precious Christmas moment now on to more of your fun events.
Blessings and enjoy every one of your sweet minutes during this Christmas season and wedding time.