Keeping The Traditions Alive

We had a wonderful Christmas.  It was at Nel's house, and everything was so nice.  Lots of good food, and Nel worked very hard to make everything just right for her family.  She set a lovely table with red and gold.

And what is nicer than having a lovely table to sit at?  Having a precious elf in red plaid pj's sitting next to you.

Nel's holiday chalkboard art.

We always have a cheese ball and crackers before dinner.

Ever since I can remember, we have enjoyed a hot bowl of French onion soup on Christmas Eve.  Nel also made grandma's enchiladas.  There was tamales and potato salad too.

Jess did all the Christmas baking, making her Russian tea cookies, peanut butter drops, and fudge.  I didn't get a  picture of it, because they always seem to disappear quickly.  There was treats in every corner.

Here is Nel on her baking day with Mia.  They both made gingerbread cake, and it was so moist and Yummy.

Jess has always made an effort to keep my Christmas traditions alive.  She filled my stocking with so many goodies.....my favorite English Breakfast tea, See's candies, candy canes, chocolate, and always puts a couple oranges at the bottom of my stocking.  I don't know if she knows how much that means to me.  My heart sings when I see them every year.  ; )

She found the most beautiful carousel that plays music, a gift from Francesca.

And Nel gave me a sweet framed picture of Mia.  She knows how much I love dandelions, and Mia is holding one.

  

The next morning when I had my cup of coffee, I had so many goodies to choose from, but I went straight for Brian's homemade banana chocolate chip bread.   You would not believe how good this is.  Even the ends are moist.  This has been his gift to the family every year, and we all love it.

                           

I think it's sweet when the Dad's take an interest in the kids' toys.

  Oh, how I cherish these special moments.

Nel didn't stop from the time she woke up until she went to bed.  Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Day Nel.