Merry Christmas Eve

Before I show you pictures of my home, I wanted to tell you what Christmas was like growing up for me.  As soon as the Christmas Holidays rolled around, I couldn't wait to hit the road to spend the next few weeks at my grandmother and aunt's houses.  You may remember me telling you in previous posts that they were sisters and lived next door to each other.  The house would be filled all week with my aunt's baking in preparation for the Christmas Eve celebration we would have at her house.  My grandmother was in charge of baked yams and her chocolate pie. 

My grandmother, my parents, sister and brothers and other aunts, uncles, and cousins would meet at my aunt's house late in the afternoon of Christmas Eve we would have dinner and open presents.  I would have helped her bake the pies (coconut and pecan) and cakes (gingerbread) and cornbread dressing like I've not had since being at her house.  I think it was her special touch that made this dressing so good as I've tried through the years to replicate it.  My mother's comes close, but there was no sage in it (sorry for all you sage lovers) it had good browned cornbread, turkey drippings and broth, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.  There'd be turkey and a spiral baked ham along with so many other dishes and desserts. 

Another one of my favorite desserts she always made was what she called Cottage Salad.  I make it each season for my family too.  It is so simple to make, it has orange jello (not made just open the box and add), crushed pineapple (drained, no juice), cottage cheese (I like the small curd) and cool whip.  Add all together and mix well in a pretty bowl.  It is so good!!

After dinner, "Santa" would pass out the presents to everyone.  What a special time it was.  There'd be so much laughter and oohhs and aahhs at what was given to each of us.  We'd all normally be sitting by the fire my uncle had made as he continued to add wood to it.  It was magical, at least in my eyes it was.  I miss this time. 

So many of my family members have gone on and now Christmas time is usually quiet in our home.  We normally still celebrate it on Christmas Eve, except this year will be different.  My oldest son will not be home until Christmas Day, so we'll be celebrating then.

My family no longer wants the traditional turkey and dressing and they don't really like ham, so instead they've opted to have Fahita's.  I know it doesn't sound much like a Christmas meal, but you know what I decided a long time ago.  It doesn't matter what is served as long as I have my family around me is all that matters.  There'll still be ooohhs and aahhs and laughter and talking and probably watching a game or a Christmas movie on TV, and for this I'm thankful.

Here are a few Christmas touches around my home:

Please don't forget the true meaning of CHRISTmas this year and say a special prayer for those that are still fighting in the armed forces and those that are not as fortunate to be home this year.  Merry Christmas to you all!!