Silly thought as we were stashing extra food items for the big "reveal" on Christmas day. Living in a northern state we actually rejoice at the colder weather for a variety of reasons (no mosquitos is a biggie for me). But it does provide extra cold storage space. When we say "where are we going to put this stuff?" Why in the "garage refrigerator" of course. Cools extra beer and soda too. Lemons to lemonade.
Started the celebration early as the Robel family came over at lunchtime Christmas Eve. (Fortunately, Santa had made a stop earlier in the week.) Consequently we were ready for the next morning as long as a certain room did not get breached early by the "believer" who eagerly tracked the big guy's progress across the world on his phone. He even scored a personal message from the bearded one stating Joe's "good behavior" status would serve him well the next day.
Tradition dictates that we order chinese food for dinner Christmas Eve. Learning from the past, we called in our order shortly after five and were told an hour wait (which is followed by a half hour wait when you get there). All part of the fun though as the restaurant is swamped with excited chatter in both Mandarin and English while the kitchen whips out order after order. Scorning any technology apparently, orders are written down and passed on to the kitchen by the multi-tasking maitre d, phone in one ear, fingers flying on the cash register and menu pad. Not understanding chinese, it appears that major fights are breaking out between the kitchen staff and Mama proprieter as they zip around filling orders on virtual roller skates. Much yelling or maybe that's just how it sounds. Although the chinese take-away was jammed, the adjoining Sub and pizza places were having a more leisurely evening. But everyone is in a good mood and it's all just part of the show. Plus we get our free Chinese calendar! But alas they forgot the fortune cookies : (
Speaking of cookies, Joe helped me make our Christmas batch. Nothing fancy on his part, just some egg cracking (usually all over him) and some mixing. Later after they were baked I said don't you want one? "No", he said, "I don't want to eat something I had my hands in." Huh? He did wash his hands, but the dough was kind of sticky as he tried to get it off the spoon. LOL. He may have a problem later in life when he has to make his own meals...
Before the horde, er, er, the guests arrived I was trying to figure out what was in the plastic container Kristen had left on the hallway bench. Opening it I thought it looked like some dried up chocolate chips and wondered why she didn't present them for the cookie bake-a-thon. Upon tasting one, I understood why. I had just crunched down on some of Zoe's dinner (Zoe is the dog). The OH thought the faux pas hilarious and I didn't die so all is well. Zoe was cool with it all-she was after turkey anyway.
The dolpins sweat shirt below was a must-have; size be damned.
Though big disappointment that my sister and her new husband had to cancel last minute (loss of 2 pies and shrimp ring-oh yes their company as well), at least that meant everyone could squeeze into the living room. Though I had various seating locations-kitchen, basement, even outside set up, everyone opted for the one area afraid to miss anything I guess. Kids had given us a lamp post sized heater so even the deck was comfy when one of the party escaped to get some air and another to "vape". Eventually like lemmings, the rest floated out there too for a bit. The OH and I stayed busy creating and serving each course and refilling drinks. He's the cook, I'm the wait staff. Several bottles of wine appeared from guests and a bouquet of flowers from first-timers as well as a pineapple upside down cake from big Sis. But everyone kept ordering mimosas and shots.
Secret Santa has kind of deteriorated into a lot of booze-type gifts, though one thought an offering of a 24 pack of quilted Northern was appropriate-it got traded. My "Naughty and Nice" bottles of wine got picked by the middle school participant so I had to sacrifice myself on my pick to take it back. She grabbed the sweet smelling lotions and creams from an earlier player so it all worked out.
This game used to be a lot more cutthroat in the old days with much trading going on and lasting forever. Dad would put on quite a show of selecting just the right package performing a little dance around the intriguingly wrapped parcels. The best time was when he didn't remember what he gave before so when he got it back the next year, he was more than pleased.
After a two hour cleanup, we collapsed in two puddles and contemplated life and left-overs. I had great intentions of finishing off the bubbly, but moving was too much effort and more dishes not a desirable option. All and all a successful celebration. Peace out and love to all and sundry...Merry Merry
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