Twas the Night Before Christmas

and all through the house a party was happening to celebrate the holiday I love the most.

Merry Christmas!

Every year my Dad’s side of the family comes together on Christmas Eve to eat good food, open gifts, and celebrate the season with those we love the most. It’s a tradition that dates back to when I was little and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The evening started with a lovely table off appetizers to nibble on.

I didn’t take individual photos of what I nibbled on, but just assume I took a bite of everything on the table.

My parent’s have a great bar area in the back of the house that is always fully stocked with sodas, wine, beer, liquor, etc.

I started the night with a glass of wine before switching to sparkling water for the remainder of the evening.

Last year my Dad roasted a pig, this year he set out to fry a turkey.

Be careful Josh! This part is very, very dangerous!

Success!

He also roasted a turkey and baked a ham.

Nom Nom Nom

Lots of helpers in the kitchen

Dinner was served buffet style as per tradition.

Time to eat!

I loaded my plate with a little taste of everything

Don’t I have the cutest little brother?!?

My favorite part of the meal: Dessert!

So many great choices to choose from! I had no problem filling my tiny plate.

Kelly and I took our traditional photo together in front of the tree.

The part about Christmas eve is watching the little ones open gifts. In particularly little Abbygail.

We all pitched in and blew up the family photo fro Thanksgiving for my Grandma. My cousin had spent hours retouching it and did a FABULOUS job!

Since there are so many ‘adults’ on my family we forego the traditional exchanging of gifts and instead do a family style chinese gift exchange.

I was particularly proud of the gift I brought.

I had made a 2010 calendar on my Mac using all the photos I took over Thanksgiving and Christmas Caravan as well as some homemade chocolates and granola. I told my Grandma she had to choose my gift and if anyone even attempted to grab it she would squeal. I think she was happy when she was the one who ended up with it.

I was very happy withe the Publix gift card I ended up with.

Man am I wiped! Christmas morning is now just a few hours away!

I did get to open one gift tonight – our traditional Christmas Eve PJs.

Aren’t we adorable!

I better get to bed so Santa Claus will come and leave me lots of goodies.

Good Night!!!