Christmas 2022

 When Jill and the kids arrived, we put them to work helping with the Christmas Eve dinner. The dinner time had been to 3:00 to accommodate Isaac's work schedule and Jake's ferry reservations. Unfortunately Jake's ferry boat was shifted and his ride delayed. He would not  make it in time for dinner, but at least all of the snow and ice was melted, and driving was once again safe. We considered our selves fortunate compared to most of the country's travel plans. 

Irene carried in the turkey that Tom had roasted/smoked on the BBQ. Tom had Irene and Isaac help carve it. Jill helped get everything done and on the table by 3:00. We ate, and ate, and talked.

When we cleaned up we left all of the food on the kitchen counter to await Jake's arrival. By 5:30 Jake was here, and with his plate full, we regrouped in the dining room, the rest of us on our ice cream and cookie course. The conversation is much more lively when Jake is here. We lingered at the table.

For the rest of the evening cookies accompanied our video viewing. We have favorites: Charlie Brown's Christmas, The Grinch, and Christmas on Sesame Street. Oscar the Grouch is still a favorite. Cookies!

Isaac went to work, Jill and Irene went to church, Jake, Jan, Tom and I carried on conversations until Jan went to bed, and Jake went to Jill's house for his bed. 

Christmas Day at Jill's house began with stockings. Mr. Whiskers like the treats in his stocking. 

The elders were all on our phones while the youngers prepared brunch.

Irene frosted the cardamom bread. 

Then we all ate some more.

The aftermath of a bounteous gift sharing indicates the abundance. We knew it was more than  enough, but we were helping the economy.

Jake is 47 but he was thrilled with the classic Lego set Isaac bought him. 

We stayed all day, ate lots more, and had lots more interesting conversations. We shared some highlights of the year: some favorite places we went or experiences we had, good movies or books, favorite music of the year, all good stuff. No negatives allowed. 

It was a another great Christmas day for the Reeder/Gibson clan.