Presents bought…most are wrapped.
Cards are sent.
Decorations completed.
House is partially cleaned
Not exactly through the woods yet in these preps because–
now it is time to concentrate on Christmas dinner.
Gathered around our table(s) on Christmas day will be approximately 30 family and extended family. I’m still counting noses. It brings to mind those that will not be here this year:
My aunt who suffered a stroke two weeks ago and is in a rehab center. She has been one of our less talkative guests over the last few years, but our littler grandson always found her a good listener for the tales he had to tell on Christmas.
My brother-in-law, who passed away last spring. Always the consumate entertainer, he had his bag of tricks to show the kids and a way of telling Irish jokes that even if they were not funny, you laughed long and hard.
My cousin’s father-in-law who passed away just this week. He used to chase the little ones around the house. In his later years he was the only one allowed in my little kitchen other than me, simply because he seemed to feel that I needed him there to tell me what to do. He will be remembered for his unusual gifts. He bought by the case and gave by the case…a case of shampoo, or tennis balls, or comemorative plates, or sleep socks, or…name it.
Our guests will range in age from 4 to 90. There will be grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews along with their families, house guests, and boyfriends. And we will tip a glass to the memories of those who have enriched our holidays past.
May your day be merry and bright, and for the sake of the travelers, not too white.

Ellen