Since it is only the middle of November most people would deny Christmas is near us. I only wish that were the case for Mark and I. Coming this weekend is our 1st Christmas with the Thompson relatives this Sunday. My favorite part is not so much the early x-mas, but the way they "do" their gathering. Not only does Grandma Thompson aka Ozzie know how to whip up a feast for the family, but its how we spend the time together.
To start off the day most of the family goes to the morning church service at Uncle Tom's church in Osceola, WI prior to our gathering. The party is held in their banquet room after. It's usually a hit or a miss with Mark and I if we attend, but the Catholic traditions for their services always keeps me wondering about their traditions for their religion. Since I'm Methodist I learn a lot and ask silly questions, but its better to ask than not pay attention. For instance two years ago we attended an Easter service and I was not paying attention then all of the sudden I had water (aka holy water) flung at my face by a broom (aka not a "broom" i was told). Now for someone who's never seen this before it had me curious and laughing too. So that is something that comes with our gathering and I always learn something new!! :p
After services the whole Thompson Family gathers in the fellowship hall for food and catching up. Now onto the fun part (still such a kid) presents!!! Each year we play the dice game and everyone brings a $25-30 gift to exchange and the presents are always unisex and would appeal to anyone really. We don't fight over the game, but its a sneaky game to play with relatives and we all enjoy throwing wrapping paper at each other too! I have to say this family does really enjoy having laughs & every year I enjoy it more and more.
Come December we will only be traveling to one place this year, THANK GOD! It has been over the years hard for Mark and I to try and make it to everyone's home for x-mas. But this year we've got it down to only 2 places. First my parents on X-Mas Eve with his Mom too and we attend Church at the evening and then have our Late Night Happy Hour tradition with a few friends over too. X-Mas morning we have a delicious breakfast & open presents with my family. By noon were off to Mark's Father's home in Lino Lakes. This is always a casual environment with the girls aka step sisters, Cher, and Pup and after all the excitment the night prior we definitley enjoy relaxing.
Besides those two celebrations we do one more with our other family, our best friends. This year were having our 3rd Annual X-Mas party with the theme "Naughty or Nice". Now before you get images in your head on the themes title I assure you this theme was not made by me, but by E-vite (haha). Were going to enjoy the day after x-mas a fine dining experience in Mpls (aka "nice" part) then inviting our friends to our house for a "Naught Happy Hour" w/ ugly sweaters. Since last years party had lots of guests were bringing the party to downtown Stillwater for shenanigans instead!
Your probably think Sara, don't get too ahead of yourself! But I think you can tell by my enthusiasm I enjoy the holidays. Instead of gripping about the weather, the present shopping, and the ba-humbuggers remember to be thankful for the family you have. Not so many are as lucky to be able to spend this time together. Not only do I love spending my time with them, but with Mark. Over the years he has experienced along with me losing family members and how hard the holidays were there for a while, but now I embrace them with my family and new traditions have come from it. So I say bring on the Holidays with a fuzzy warm feeling that your able to be with your loved ones its a great feeling to have!!!
Warm Holiday Hugs!!!
Mark & Sara
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