Christmas 2011

 

      For Christmas this year, we had ALL of our kids, their spouses for those who are married, and all 7 grandbabies here.  That makes a total of 21 of us!  We had our traditional breakfast, (which we started when I was a child with my dad after my parents were divorced at the age of 7), which consists of Ritz & Club crackers, different kinds of summer sausages, and a myriad of different flavored cheeses and make little sandwiches out of it all.  Then, of course, the traditional eggnog and milk for those who don't want that.  Those of us at home have opened presents first as soon as we all wake up, usually around 7:00 - 7:30, and then once the older children and grandbabies get here around 11:00, which is when we eat our traditional breakfast all together.  Once we have eaten, then we open the remaining presents with the older kids and grandbabies. It is always so fun to watch them open their gifts!!  Then we spend time helping the little ones put together their gifts, play with their new toys, visiting with one another, laughter, and just being together. 

This year we chose a non-traditional Christmas meal together.  I made our 3 meat chili (with no beans), little wieners in BBQ sauce, little smokies wrapped in bacon, and brown sugar covered over them and baked in the oven at 350* for 30 minutes.  And then, Doug's mom's infamous Ham & Cheese Sandwiches that she used to make years ago.  And of course, our yearly fudge, and different pies to choose from.  :+)