This Christmas Eve I'll be enjoying time with my in-laws. We'll be eating Beef Tenderloin, Burgundy Mushrooms, Green Bean Casserole, Beer Dip with Pretzels, and so much more. We'll be enjoying drinks as well and opening presents. Yes...we open the family presents on Christmas Eve so everyone can be around to watch the little ones' excitement as they open their gifts. My mother-in-law's house will be packed to capacity and the noise, while incredibly loud, will be a joy to experience. All the conversations going on at once. All the catching up. It's one day that all of us get together. The only thing that could put a damper on attendance is if it snows or gets icy and two of my brothers-in-law will have to man the trucks and take care of the city streets. So we'll cross our fingers that this isn't the case.
As the night passes family will slowly head home to prepare for Christmas morning. The hubby will read Twas the Night Before Christmas to our boys and send them off to bed after cookies and milk are put out for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph. Once my youngest is asleep, my oldest will sneak out and help me pack the stockings and bring up the presents. This is probably the last year that my youngest will believe in Santa. He's been asking questions. Next year he'll probably be helping with the presents too. It'll be a little sad, but we'll still make it fun.
So if you celebrate the Holiday, I wish you a very merry Christmas. If you don't then I'll simply say "may the best of the closing year be yours!"
