Holiday Traditions

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve we have gone to my Grandparent's house, sit around their fireplace and have some nice family time. Sometimes other branches of the family would be there, sometimes not. It's toned down a little in recent years. We also put up their tree every year and decorate it.

Likewise, Christmas day has always consisted of the entire family gathering at either my Grandparent's house or Uncle's house for an early afternoon Christmas Dinner, and a gift exchange after. The kids would go goof off in the basement while the adults stayed upstairs.

Lately, mostly do to the stress of getting ready to leave on Christmas morning, we've started opening our presents in the evening after getting back. I don't think I would have stood for it when I was little, but I like it better that way now.

We also do vast amounts of Christmas baking each year, which we give to iy and friends. My mom pretty much gave it up last year, but my sister picked it right up, and I have to say I've never seen the kitchen so busy or messy for a full week as I did then.

Jam it back in, in the dark.