What a Wonderful Christmas

Yes, Christmas has come and gone, and my blogging activities have been rather light. Between family, friends, hosting Christmas, and getting a horrific head cold, I’ve had no time to blog.

This year was a bit different for me; there was a first in our home. This was the first Christmas that I was not able to celebrate with all of my children. Yes, one child did not come home! I realize that as my children continue to grow and establish their separate lives there will be times that they will be celebrating their holidays elsewhere. 2014 was the year that we crossed that bridge. Alyssa is working in Aspen as a cook at Sundeck, and as a ski resort employee she was busy working.

That’s not to say the house wasn’t full! With five kids home along with my parents visiting, our home was bursting with family! And we were BUSY! Pre-Christmas activities included hosting a Christmas party, Gavin having shoulder surgery, a fundraising event showing the movie Elf at our local theater, a day to visit Christmas in the Park in San Jose with lunch at Original Joe’s, driving the neighborhoods to “Ooh” and “Ah” over the Christmas lights, and celebrating two birthdays (Dominick is now 17 and Robert 25). All of this leading up to hosting Christmas dinner at our home.

Our Christmas day activities are filled with traditions. As the children rise they are greeted with monkey bread and juice, they then dig into their Christmas stockings. After that bit of Christmas, it is time to dress and head to mass. Yes, mass before presents are opened. After mass, it is a wonderful meal of heuvos rancheros – a family favorite accompanied with mimosas for the adults. Then and only then, do we tackle the gifts under the tree. With five kids, two parents, and two grandparents – sorting it all out takes a bit of time.

Then the cooking starts for Christmas dinner and family and friends begin to arrive! This year’s menu of prime rib, scalloped potatoes, brussels sprouts, salad, and rolls was lovingly and fully prepared by my husband, Gavin. Being sick with a head cold – I stayed away from the food. Thank you, Gavin!