An early gift for me this year was a lingering and very annoying cold. Ho, ho, ho, hack, hack, hack. Janice, Phyllis, Chris, and Grandmother Ginny also shared in the joys of coughing and bothersome congestion.
As Christmas morning rolled around, Terry and I debated whether to just hang around the house and molt on the couch or head to the Farm and join in the frivolity of the season. How could I possibly resist the pull of frivolity? We pulled ourselves together and made our way to Gallatin arriving mid-afternoon. Roy and the kiddos had trekked up earlier this morning and they had been hanging out, playing video games and running around the Farm enjoying the mild, winter day.
We arrived to a cornucopia of lunch goodies: Josh’s smoked turkey for Dagwood-style sandwiches, Dad’s chicken and rice soup, cranberry relish, strawberry Jello pretzel salad, cheesecake, pecan pie, sweet praline chex mix, deviled eggs, multiple charcuterie trays overflowing with nibbles: cheeses, crackers pretzels, toast points with bleu cheese, spicy mustard, and spinach cream cheese spreads, savory salami, plump grapes, sweet apples, refreshing, blueberries and chocolate covered strawberries just to name a few.
After our hearty Christmas lunch, we were tasked with selecting a holiday bell from an assortment that Dad and Janice had procured from antique stores. Once we selected a bell to our liking, we paraded outside to hang them in the enormous shade tree just a few steps from the cabin. Now when there is a breeze, their melodic tones will ring out.
Heading inside, we each popped our Christmas poppers and shared the funny riddles, jokes and puns, answered trivia or played with the tiny toys and trinkets that were hidden inside.
As the afternoon waned, Terry and I gave the kiddos their Christmas gifts that we had brought up and Dad, Janice and Levi gave us Christmas happy’s as well. What an amazing day!!! Our time together is precious and I love that we have these moments to share with one another. Merry Christmas!!
Hanging Christmas bells.
Popping open Christmas crackers.
