My family has a wonderful Christmas tradition. We call it Christmas Feast.
The first weekend in December we pull out the Christmas decorations -- we have A LOT -- so we can trim the tree and the house.
While the kids and my Prince Charming put everything out, I cook. I make all kinds of appetizers and finger foods. I use all my best and cute party platters, and our table is FULL of food. We eat for days after, which is just another great thing about it.
We listen to Christmas music, and the kids get all excited about each ornament they pull out and hang up. It's wonderful.
Y'all should know that I spend about 5 hours in the kitchen. My feet and back kill me by the time I'm done, but it's soooo worth it. I wouldn't trade it at all. The menu consists of:
1) Deviled eggs -- a riot ensues if I don't make these
2) Pigs in a blanket
3) Cheese tray
4) Cream cheese with jalapeno jelly
5) Jalapeno poppers
6) Pizza rolls
7) Parmesan crusted chicken tenders
8) Stuffed mushrooms
9) Veggies and dip
10) Egg rolls
11) Cookies galore
12) Taco sticks
13) Apples and a fruit dip
14) Pot stickers
15) Queso
16) Salsa
It's a lot. But it's sooooo great. I change it up each year, but only a little bit.
Once everything is done, we fill our plates and watch Home Alone. And the kids still giggle. They're 19, 17 and 13 now, but it doesn't matter. They love every bit of this day, and we have every intention of continuing it even after they're grown and gone. This year my daughter helped me with cooking, and she did such a great job. It only took three hours. I sure wish I had two ovens, though. That's for the next house, I guess.
Here's a little look into what it's like for us. The kids are younger in this video.
It's traditions like these that make it easy for me to write like I do. The best thing about my books is the family feel in them. I think it's become a trademark for me, because my readers remark on it often.
I'm glad I can evoke homey feelings in my stories. Hopefully it shows the love I have for my family and friends, and gives readers a sense of what life is all about.
What reminds you of family? What do you look forward to -- it doesn't have to be a Christmas tradition. Comment below and I'll send a copy of any book in my series to one lucky person -- winner can choose the book. Please leave your email!
And don't forget our December contest and giveaway! Enter CANDY CANE KISSES and win prizes! For all the details, visit our Monthly Giveaway page. Or, go straight to the ENTRY FORM.
Kara, I loved the video! What a clever idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, this makes me jealous. I so miss those days when all the kids were here. We're spread far and wide now and the times together are so short and so precious. This all looks like so much fun.
ReplyDeleteThat video made the time fly. Was great fun watching it. Love seeing families together enjoying their celebrations and each other. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liz, I loved it when the kids were younger and we all still participated in getting the house and tree ready. Christmas music floating through the air as we decorated and prepped the house. The feel of 'family' was very strong.
ReplyDeleteGreat Christmas tradition. Keep it going as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition! We have grandsons who help with indoor and outdoor decorating. The other day another one came in with a ton of paper snowflakes (he's great with scissors) and announced we had to use them on the tree forever and ever. LOL
ReplyDeleteYour video reminds me of those family movies where instead of jumping in the pool from the diving board, only they run it backwards. If you're family these moments captured on film never grow old. I remember stringing cranberries and popcorn to make a garland for the tree, then putting outside for the birds when the holidays were over. Then there was that time when the Christmas tree fell over, so dad attached it to the ceiling.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh! The tree fell over? Wow. I can't imagine!
DeleteAnd congratulations! You're the winner of a copy of one of my books! Can you send me your email? Mine is kara@karaoneal.com
DeleteWhat a great tradition! We go every year to my best friends Christmas party.
ReplyDeleteFun! I used to have a yearly party, but I'm getting too tired to host!
DeleteIt's late as I read this, and I wish I had some of those yummy appetizers you mentioned. Hope your Christmas was Merry!
ReplyDeleteThose appetizers sound great! I used to have holiday parties for my family and friends. Everything reminds me of them...lighting The menorah, playing dreidel, making up parody songs.
ReplyDelete