A cherished childhood Christmas tradition involved setting up the dining room table before guests arrived; my mother would ask us girls to place the leaves on it.
Typically, our antique round table rested in a corner, out of the way of the usual flow between the kitchen and living room, unless it was time for a family get-together, when it moved to the center and extended fully with all eight leaves; I remain impressed by how long that small table could become.
As our family expanded with in-laws and grandbabies, we added more tables until our setup spanned from the dining room's edge to the kitchen's end.
The space was filled with people, and the resulting noise and lively atmosphere were wonderful.
Those memories bring me such joy.
After growing up, I married my wonderful partner and relocated far from my family's farmhouse; in 22 years, I recall visiting the farm for Christmas only once.
Sometimes Christmas has felt a bit subdued over the years, too quiet and tranquil; I've learned how invaluable family is and how wonderful it feels when we bridge the distance to gather.
I am thrilled to share that this year, I managed to 'put the leaves in' our table!
First, our eldest son traveled from his new residence in Alberta, completing our Christmas family portrait (I will share it when ready). Following that, my husband’s brother and his family traveled many miles to join our Christmas celebrations.
We just enjoyed a lovely 5 days creating beautiful shared moments.
My niece prepared incredibly tasty red velvet cupcakes for Christmas eve.
My brother and sister-in-law made some very savory appetizers that same day.
These included prosciutto-wrapped asparagus (prior to baking); they also demonstrated that nearly anything is delicious when wrapped in bacon and baked at 400 degrees for 20 minutes! (Their bacon-wrapped delight was cream cheese stuffed jalapeno peppers, which was scrumptious!)
The cousins have swapped toy-filled boxes for laptops, cell phones, and video games, though some remote control cars and monopoly remained present.
We indulged too much by snacking from Grandma and Grandpa's candy bags,
and adored gathering near the cozy fire; the weather was just cool enough to make the fire feel truly 'delightful'!
During those quieter intervals, I savored the beauty in the book my husband gifted me for Christmas.
{Oh, Miss Mustard Seed, you inspire me!}
Now that our family has returned to their homes, the house is once again hushed; during this quiet time, I plan to take down the Christmas tree, and given the amount of needles I've already vacuumed from the floor, it is time to do so...
