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.