December 25, 2012

Our adorable Christmas Eve dinner table.

Merry Christmas to all! We had a wonderful time last night with our small family dinner and gift exchange. Mr. B and I began by picking up Sweetness at her humble abode before going to Dr. Mc and #1 son-in-law Nick's house. After a glass or two of bubbly we ate beautifully cooked steaks, pipping hot scallop potatoes, fresh green beans and rolls. Although Sweetness has performed the job of separating presents since she was old enough to read the name tags, Dr. Mc performed the duties last night. Then we enjoyed opening presents one at the time. The night would not be complete without the mix-master Alex preparing eggnog for us. There was also some tequila sipping, but I passed on it. We finished the wonderful evening with warm bread pudding topped with cold cream. It didn't take me long to get to sleep after Mr. B and I returned home.

Every Christmas I think about when I was eight. I knew for a fact that I was the only girl in the entire world who didn't have a Barbie doll. I'm talking about the original Barbie with her blonde ponytail who was dressed in the black and white striped bathing suit. On Christmas Eve, after everyone in the house was asleep, I snuck into the living room. The room was illuminated by the Christmas tree lights. I carefully looked at every present to see if that oh-so-familiar-shaped Barbie box was there. I found it. I pulled it out. I carefully unwrapped it. She was just as beautiful as I knew she would. And she was mine. After staring at her, I thought about just taking her to bed with me, but instead I carefully re-wrapped the box and put her back under the tree. Once back in bed, I'm sure I smiled before falling asleep and dreaming about my sweet Barbie. The moral of this little Christmas tale? None of my family will put presents under the tree until the very last minute for fear that I will open my gifts early.

Today I'm creating very tasty potatoes for Christmas dinner tonight. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and enjoys the best gift of the season: family, friends, and God's peace.