The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Every year the Christmas holiday comes in a bit differently.  When the kids were little it was always a hectic time of gifts that had to be hidden...usually Jack stored them at the office so no peeking was involved! Santa visits, church and school programs and packages mailed in and out.  Christmas cards had pictures of the kids so relatives far away could see how they had grown and we didn't go to Chicago back then because they always celebrated on Christmas Eve and it just wasn't going to work with our crew.  Then the boys got older and were involved in basketball that made it impossible to leave town because of practices and games...a big deal in high school!  Now the Santa visits were replaced with school activities and dances and girlfriends and all the hoopla that teens have in their lives.  The boys grew up and now have families of their own.  We always celebrated Christmas day with Jack's parents at the farm.  His Mom passed away in February of 2000, and his Dad in February of 2001.  Now the family gathers with us and we have carried on the tradition like they did it.  His Mom always had a scented mixture on the stove that was cinnamon and spices so when you walked in it sure smelled like Christmas.  The first year we lived here I remember my oldest son walking in and saying how it smelled just like Grandma's on Christmas...yep, I steeped the spices then and still do.  Some things don't change I guess.  The one thing that does change are the ages of the players.  Time flies and kids grow up way too fast...although it seemed forever when they were young!  I capture what seems to be the same things every year...the faces, the food, the gifts, the smiles...but I know in years from now, perhaps when someone else is hosting this special day, they will look back and wonder where the time went and remark on how young they were and hopefully they won't forget to have that special cinnamon smell and perhaps say that it reminds them of YaYa and PawPaw's at Christmas...and hopefully it will still be the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas Eve had the sun shining and air a balmy 60de!

Chubbs and I took a nice hike in the woods.  I  hope he's not licking his lips because of a deer poop snack!

Usually these guys are put away before the first snow but since we haven't had any snow they are dressed for the holiday instead!

The gang starts to assemble this afternoon....Jackie is holding his daughter's new dog. His name is Happy and he and Chubbs got along just great.

Phil found his seat.  Comfy?

 

Tree was ready!

Family gathered..

Gifts opened and examined before dinner.

Ham anyone?

Belly up to the island for some grubb.

Cousins being silly at the kiddo table. Cameron and Lexi.

Adults being silly at the big folk table!  After eating. the kids played inside and out. The weather was really nice today too so it was fun to watch them play with new toys and ride around the pines on the Gator.  But soon it was time for them to head home or to other spots to celebrate with other relatives.  Last good-byes for the day.

Jackie and Evelyn.

Summer with her new pal, Happy.

Summer with her sweet boyfriend we just love..Brett.

Evelyn's daughter Megan just chillin' .

Jordan minus Eddy....Eddy our granddog had to stay home because our Grandson Cameron is allergic to him.  Thankfully Chubbs doesn't shed so we're good there.

Anthony is smiling because he's officially taller than YaYa!  Much taller! He still has a way to go before topping PawPaw however.  The day was fun and I can't believe another year has come and gone.  Tomorrow I can sing "Happy Birthday" to my knees...one year old and all's well! Yep, this gal is hanging up her Christmas apron and thinking it was the most wonderful time of the year.

Merry Christmas from the Pines to one and all!