Christmas parties

Unfortunately the Christmas parties for husband’s work and for my work were scheduled on the same night this year.  And it was the same night as the girls’ dress rehearsal for the Nutcracker.  So there was no way I could go with him.  So husband went to his work party while I took girls to rehearsal and then stopped in for the tail end of my work party.  The food is incredible and is reason enough to attend every year.  I sat with some of the other instructors and we talked and laughed through the meal.  The various managers and coordinators did some special highlights and recognition and we had a great evening (even if my smokin hot husband couldn’t be with me).

E’s preschool had a fantastic Christmas party.  She made us an ornament and did a Christmas sock hop and came home with a bag overflowing with treats and gifts from her classmates that she happily shared with sisters.

L and A’s classes did class parties as well with some special treats and activities.  They both took suckers and candy canes to school to share with friends and treats for their teachers.

We hosted our annual fondue dinner.  The group was smaller this year, intentionally so because one of our friends is moving out of state and we wanted to spend more time with them.  And then it worked out especially well because we were all sick but apparently sharing the same cold and not worried about passing it on to anyone new.  The kids ran amuck upstairs with a very patient baby sitter and pizza while the adults feasted on cheese fondue, lots of veggies, bread, steak and such.  We sat around and talked and shared stories.  Eventually we did our white elephant exchange with plenty of teasing and laughs.  Then we finished the evening with a chocolate fondue.  The counter was covered with treats and fruits to dip.  Once the adults had their fill, we turned the kids loose on the chocolate, much to their delight.  This is one of my favorite nights of the whole year and a favorite tradition.  I love the food but I love this annual opportunity to get together and just talk and relax with friends that we don’t get to see as often as we would like. 

And then we also spent an evening my extended family.  Originally we planned to attend a live nativity but the long drive to get there and cold weather was discouraging.  So in the end, my siblings and I all got together at my parents house.  We turned the kids loose to play with cousins and we shared pizza and played games.  We decorated Grammy and Papa’s Christmas tree and watched movies.  And then my little family spent the night and I got to help Grammy wrap presents and get ready for Christmas.  (She thinks its something I do as a service for her but I actually have so much fun, spending the time with her, picking out gifts for kids and getting to wrap it all up).