Red Velvet Wisdom

The Saturday after Christmas will find one of the hottest Christmas parties in town if you live near Dallas.   Each year, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and her sister host a Christmas dinner for her family and anyone else who wants to come.   One year may find almost eighty people laughing and eating at their house.   Years like this one found a few less, more like 40 or so.   Maybe 50 as some were coming in late.

Yesterday I sat at one the tables as my Diana, my sister-in-law’s sister, told how this is all she ever knew, growing up in a large family. Others who married into the family told how it was intimidating the first time they ever came to such a large family dinner.   I guess because Diana and Joyce (sister-in-law) have always done it this way, it seems to come so easily. I’m afraid that if I fed even 25 people it would be more like sloppy joes and chips on a paper towel.   Not them.  They are amazing in not only the cooking and decorating, but the fact that they stay so calm and happy the entire time.

They began with a new theme this year. “Let It Snow” was everwhere and the tree was kid and dog friendly, no hooks of any kind.

The ladies work and work to get everything ready. Everyone brings something and it all fits together to make a perfect meal.

Di, checking the status of the pots and pans.

Joyce doing the same. Both will probably kill me for posting these pictures. I didn’t warn them and snapped away as they slaved over a hot stove. Can I remind you that neither complain or get snippy?   It is like a Norman Rockwell Christmas to me. We fight when we drive thru Taco Bell, let alone cook!

Aside from the food, the best part is the fellowship of family.   This truly is a wonderful family at heart.   They laugh and have fun the entire time.   There is constant conversation and laughter, and the sound of all the kids playing together is something that is nonstop during this party.  When I first married into this family I felt like somewhat of an intrusion just by way of not really knowing what to expect, but they always made me feel welcome.  Now it’s something I look forward to every year.

We tag along with my sweet little mother in law. She had all of her boys together this weekend, a gift for her that she doesn’t get very often.

I learn a lot from these women. They are beautiful both inside and out. I don’t know where I could ever find such kind and giving hearts. While the food is excellent, they fun and fellowship are what makes the day special.

As I sat and typed this I had tears in my eyes thinking of last Christmas and those who are in heaven for this Christmas.  They were missed but enjoyed with stories of old and even recipe discussions.   New life fills the house each year, whether by marriage or birth. Either way, anyone is lucky to be a part of it.

Sunday, December 27th, 2009, 10:15 pm   |   Uncategorized  |  RSS feed Comments and pings are currently closed.