T’is the season to brighten the world with lights.
The day after Thanksgiving has become another family tradition. We meet in at Ryan and Kerri’s in Milford for dinner, an assortment of soups, and then walk to town to see Santa arrive on the fire truck and the lighting of the tree on the green.
With our bellies full of soup (and dessert) we were treated to another show by our favorite trio.
A little rest time snuggled under a blanket while Nana read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Left – on the green Right – by the pond near Ryan and Kerri’s house.
The holiday season has begun!
T’is the season to decorate houses.
The following weekend was the fourth annual Gingerbread House/Cousins Sleepover Weekend (that’s a mouthful!). The kids arrived after lunch on Saturday and immediately began work on their houses. NOTE: The first year I baked the gingerbread and Al assembled the homemade components. The second and third years, I bought houses that were already baked (who cares what it tastes like; no one is going to eat these.) and Al assembled them the night before. This year I found gingerbread houses that were already assembled and came with plenty of candies for personalizing each house. Yeah!
As is the tradition, we watch a Christmas movie or two after dinner. This year we continued the theme of “A Christmas Carol” watching two adaptions of the famous book. Then off to bed went the three elves, although it wasn’t really quiet until after 10:00 pm.
And yet, they were still up and ready by 6:45 am for more holiday fun. After devouring Papa’s waffle and bacon breakfast (waffles with Christmas trees pressed in the design) Caleb, Ceci, and Addie were ready to make this year’s ornaments.
The older “kids” (now parents but still “kids” to us) arrived in time for a late brunch. Before we ate, there was the scavenger hunt with clues taking the kids all around the house and outside, too. After 30 clues, they found their surprise in my car in the garage – LEGO ornaments to put together.
It was another wonderful weekend with our grandchildren. We love “cousin sleepovers”! They all get along so well that it is a joy to have them here.
That said, it was a busy and active weekend. Al and I were able to take Monday to recover from it all, but children have to go to school. Ryan sent me these Monday morning photos. I probably shouldn’t post them but we were all laughing so hard that I can’t resist.
The good news is that they cheerfully went to school and returned happy, too. A short “hangover” episode.
T’is the season for making memories….
The next weekend was our gift to the entire family – an experience instead of more toys. All nine of us attended a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Hartford Stage.
It’s all about making memories.
T’is the season for family….
Christmas Eve is the most special night of the holidays to me. That’s when we all gather together. My sister, Lisa, and her wife, Jeanne, made the trek again from Pennsylvania to Connecticut. That makes it extra special!
We started the festivities with an auction, something new this year. I called it the “Christmas Snacks and Goodies Auction.” Some of the items were really good like coffee beans and some were yucky, like SPAM. An item that one person does was simultaneously something that someone else wouldn’t touch. The family laughs at me with my plans for our gatherings. I tell them I can’t escape my teacher instincts and need to make a lesson plan.
Papa actually wanted the SPAM. I think I will save that for boating season.
After dinner we bundled up and went caroling around our neighborhood. We were a little shy about ringing doorbells and it was tricky to read the lyrics in the dark, but it was fun. With some rehearsal, 2025 will be better.
Al and I enjoyed a quiet and peaceful Christmas Day, reflecting on how fortunate we are.
T’is the season to welcome a new year.
For as long as I can remember, my family has celebrated New Year’s Day with a dinner of pork and sauerkraut, a Pennsylvania Dutch and German tradition, thanks to my mother’s father, my Pop-Pop. This meal is supposed to bring good luck for the new year (I think we are gong to need it this year.) As the matriarch now, I made an executive decision that instead of January 1st we would gather and have our New Years on Saturday, January 4. With the grandchildren returning to school on the 2nd and parents heading back to work, it just made more sense.
That puppy is all tuckered out!
The 2024 holiday season was one to remember, jam-packed with family and friends, joy and love. In the five weeks from Thanksgiving to New Years, we attended, hosted or participated in nine (yes, nine!) events. I wish I had remembered to take photos at all of them, but I didn’t. January is here now so we can slow down, hunker down from the cold temperatures and catch our breath. Until we’re ready to go again!
Prue Preston
Fun family holiday for you. We had our family together here in HHI – first time in ages. Up to 9 people over 8 days. We are still recovering. Happy New Year!
Ellen seltzer
Great picsâŚsuch a fun time of year for all of you. Thanks for sharing!
watsons
It was an extra special year. But why didnât I take any photos on New Yearâs Eve???