Unlike Christmases of past, Terry and I were unable to make our annual Christmas Eve, midnight run to the Farm. As the count down week to Christmas began , Terry was waylaid with a terrible flu-like cold that completely knocked him off his feet. It was the absolute worst. So as Christmas Eve loomed on the horizon, we hunkered down and hoped that he would be marginally recovered by morning. Alas, it was not meant to be. He was still too weak and puny to participate in anything celebratory in nature. With his congestion, cough and all around wretchedness, Terry would have rather had his fingernails pulled out rather than have to get up at the crack of dawn, get dressed and head to the Farm. Although we were both disappointed, he insisted that I continue with our plans and head to Gallatin to enjoy the day with family. As for Terry, he knew that the best medicine, other than heavy doses of antibiotics, was complete rest. So with my pj’s on and a car loaded with gifts, I was on my way.
I arrived at the Farm to the aroma of hearth and home; the woodsy essence of a crackling fire, the hint of evergreen, the allure of cloying cinnamon and sugar, the warming scent of brewing coffee and the lingering buttery scent of freshly baked biscuits. As I walked into the den, everything was literally coming out of the oven, so all we made our way to the kitchen for a buffet style breakfast. An eggs Benedict casserole with a homemade hollandaise sauce was the star attraction served with a refreshing fruit salad, Chris’ melt in your mouth buttery biscuits with savory sausage and thick slices of Dad’s baked bread. After breakfast, we retired to the den with restorative cups of coffee and oohed and aahed and laughed and giggled as we opened our stockings.
Roy, Leah, Lily and Elijah clad in their pj’s and laden with gifts, arrived soon afterwards. Hugs were distributed, cinnamon rolls acquired, ice cold Cokes appropriated and joyful revelry ensued. Over the last few years, we have drawn names and have each created a handcrafted gift for our chosen recipient and this year was no exception. Great thought was taken to create gifts that were unique and personal. Everyone was so creative with their ideas and I so look forward to seeing what’s been rattling around in everyone’s brain.
I am truly grateful to be part of a family that embraces togetherness and imbues kindness and generosity of spirit. Love to you all and thank you for a wonderful day full of laughter and joy.
Warning: Be prepared to stay a while. There are a ridiculous number of photos.
