Deck the Halls

 

Our entire family of fourteen hasn't celebrated Christmas all together since Number One Grandson was a tiny tot smitten with tractors (he's now sixteen and learning to drive an automobile). That occasion is in family lore known as "The Time Anastasia Made the Crown Roast." That's what everyone remembers. After that, Himself and I would travel to Virginia before or after Christmas and celebrate with our sons and their families in their individual homes, after having been with our daughter and her family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Well, anyway, this year was to be different. Everyone was scheduled to celebrate at our home on December 29; I'd made elaborate plans for a sumptuous brunch buffet. Everyone drew a name for a "stocking person" to surprise with $27 worth of wonderfulness. We were excited.

And then two of the four families were exposed to Covid and that plan had to be scrapped and a new date sought.

Turned out the new date was none other than March 6 and the most centrally located family offered to host.

Joe and I drove down to Alexandria on the 5th so that we could take Andrew and Amy out to dinner on "Christmas Eve." We were tickled when we arrived to find a Christmas tree erected in a corner and the next day were delighted when Anastasia showed up with Christmasy cut-out cookies and when Andrew sang out, "Alexa! Play Christmas music!"

After a midday feast of family favorites (and it must be noted that since the temperature was 75 degrees, many of us ate outside), it was determined to be time for Christmas! Eli asked for the stockings to be the first thing, and they were opened individually in order of height from shortest to tallest. (I confess that a grandchild or two came after me!) The stockings had morphed into tall red bags and after opening, each recipient had to guess who had provided his or hers. 

Many, many gifts were given and received and exclaimed over. Amy's traditional Christmas fudge made an appearance. Group photos were taken. And, as they say, a good time was had by all.









Comments

Janet O. said…
This warms my heart. I love the fact that you still did Christmas in March, and didn't allow COVID to totally wipe your gathering off the calendar. Kudos to Andrew and Amy for having the tree up, Christmas music, and traditional fudge. And to Anastasia for doing the Christmas cookies. The "stockings" are a fun twist.
Looks like everyone was happy to be together and celebrate.
Quiltdivajulie said…
What a creative and absolutely wonderful way to celebrate! I love the tall red backs in lieu of stockings (which are hard to fill and hard to handle once filled). Just too amazing - I love it!!!
Robby said…
I love that "New Christmas" on March 6 was embraced with such gusto. I bet there was a lot less stress involved, too. Merry Christmas!
Nann said…
The spirit of Christmas continues! What a great time you all had.
Quayquilter said…
So glad you were able to enjoy such a great day, siblings, cousins and grandparents all together.
Karla said…
How incredibly FUN! I think the birth of a new tradition may have just happen!
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
How incredibly wonderful! Merry Christmas, my friend! ❤️