Seriously though, it was a great great party and I'm so glad for the years that we get to be a part of it. The family Christmas party of my childhood has grown considerably as all the cousins grew up, got married and started added children! This year we had 20 kids under the age of 14. pretty impressive :) and pretty fun stuff.
Cars started arriving at lunchtime and the parking filled up quickly. It was so fun to watch the vans arrive and the families pile out.
The house got full and noisy quickly! Someone suggested a trip to the park for a game of football and away they all went - just in time to give some of the ladies an opportunity to get the tables set up for dinner!
[This park (just a few blocks from my parents) has been a real treat, but unfortunately with school back in session it will be limited to weekend use from here on out.]
There are two big gifts exchanges - the "real" presents.. three different generations of a name-draw and gift giving and then the white elephant gift exchange.
Justin started reading John Paul's new "who would win..." books and the boys gathered around. After the "real" gift exchange we ate dinner, kids separate at a little kids table, a older boys table and an older girls table. Unfortunately there are not a whole lot of girls!
But whew there are plenty of boys!
There are adult tables too, and with older children I really enjoy lots of good conversation and catching up with my cousins and their husbands and aunts and uncles too.
The white elephant gift exchange is a riot. Plenty of stealing and a lot of laughs and groans too. As the host house we end up with a nice pile of "loot" that no one cared enough to take home with them! My kids think this is an especially fun part of the evening and love when gifts get stolen and passed from one person to another.
Mostly, I just love the people. So grateful to be a part of this day, on the second to last day of 2017.
1 comment:
Also fun to see your Carolina Christmas! Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment