Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Today was a great day. We took two of our granddaughters out for lunch at El Puertos in Concordia. After lunch we returned to Clyde and the young ones helped Dennis in his garage, getting things moved around to suit him. I'm hoping that will help him get organized so we can get our front porch cleaned out. I want my porch back so I can sit in a rocking chair with a glass of iced tea in the summer and enjoy the day.

We've been organizing inside as well. I'll be placing things on the curb for pickup, either by neighbors or by the trashman. We put out a good recliner last week after Dennis bought me a new one for my Christmas gift. No one picked it up, so the trashman did. I hope someone found it a good home. It was my mom's chair. After she passed five years ago, I inherited it and used it every day until I got my new one.

We had a great Christmas Eve, attending Mass then we went to Josh's house and had our annual Christmas mess. Lots of good food and then gift exchange. There are so many of us that we can't give to everyone on our list. But we have a tradition that makes it easier for everyone.

We give to each child under 18.  we start with the youngest, who opens a gift, then next youngest, and so on, as many times around as needed until all the children's gifts are opened. Then they play with their gifts while the adults have their exchange. 

For the adults we have a drawing for a number. Each adult has brought a gift for either man or woman as appropriate. Then starting with #1, the lucky winner chooses the gift of their choice. #2 then chooses to steal the gift #1 took or chooses another gift from the selection available. Then #3 takes a turn, using the same formula as above. 

It can get quite crazy sometimes, especially if one of the gifts gets stolen several times. But it is a lot of fun and it gets even more fun when the used wrapping paper is wadded up and used for target practice across the room before being stowed in trash bags. Following the trash and smash, everyone gathers up the opened gifts and takes them home. The mess is cleaned up and no stress or mess left for the adults.

Christmas Day we went to Becky's house and watched them open even more gifts. A come and go breakfast was enjoyed there, then naptime eased some very full tummies, and refreshed everyone.

I want to open my blog up to allow family members to read it, but not quite sure how to set the parameters and how to invite them to view it.

Maybe that will come to me later.

Big brother is watching. As I finished that last paragraph, HP Support Assistant popped up on my screen. How cool is that? :D