From Our House to Yours

I hope wherever everyone is that they are able to enjoy a peaceful and contented holiday season. 

For the Kenistons it was a busy yet peaceful and fun day. We celebrate both the 24th and 25th in our family. The 24th because that's the way I was raised. We open all family gifts to and from the kids before they go to bed. Then the adults open gifts to and from each other after dinner - The actual family tradition is for adults to do this at midnight, but this generation is too pooped to keep that sucker up!  

Now on Christmas morning the tree is empty for all the Santa presents - and yes - the adults get Santa too!  My mother made sure of that - she loved Christmas (yes she's still with us, but alzheimers interferes with her processing of the holiday). 

I'm not a traditionalist - mostly because I don't like cooking, but I made my annual lasagna and we had coconut cream pie, cherry pie, and a dessert that is sort of like a tres leches creme brulee!  My cousin folded the napkins like Christmas trees - so pretty!  As for the Mr and Mrs Santa Gnomes (i think that's what they are) I had no idea what to do with them when I found them at a garage sale, but they were so cute - and voila - here they are at the table it was so festive!  Now the plan for tomorrow is dragging our sleepy selves out of bed bright and early for Santa time, then a french toast, egg, and bacon brunch, and then I get to see if I remember how to cook a pot roast! Making my ritz cracker mac and cheese - my son in law's favorite - and the traditional green been casserole for my daughter - her favorite - and the there's blueberry pie (my favorite lol) and pumpkin and apple pies too !  There will be lots of down time to watch holiday movies, do holiday puzzles (we're a big puzzle family) and maybe even get in a few hands of cards! All in all - I think it's going to be a lovely if not exhausting day with friends and family alike! 

Oh, and did I mention the adults did Secret Santa Christmas sweaters? LOL - it was way more fun than I expected. Apparently next year it's going to be Secret Santa Christmas pajamas!  And for the record - my 88 year old mom (on the right) can still carry my 25 pound granddaughter - unbelievable what love can help us do! (my son is missing from the photo,  he's home sick with a winter flu, and my grandson at four doesn't appreciate the value of photographic memories LOL)  Wishing the best of holidays to everyone, with my eternal gratitude for your support and kindness. May 2024 be a delight for everyone!