Let the Christmas Chaos begin...

I am from a big family. I am the oldest of 5. My mom is one of 9. My dad is one of 5. All of this adds up to a whole lot of Christmas Craziness and Chaos. When I was growing up, Christmas was always loud but fun. A time to see cousins you hadn't seen in a while, play with new toys, be surrounded by Christmas cheer. I remember always getting dressed up to go to my Grandparents for Christmas dinner. It was insane. 4 folding tables all placed together spanning 2 rooms with a seat for everyone. A separate "kids" table for the cousins in another room (there are 18 of us now). An assembly line in the kitchen with a huge buffet feast, all served on matching Christmas dinner ware-down to the silverware! There were presents for the kids. I remember laundry baskets filled with our goodies (to separate the families from one another). There was a heated Yankee Swap for the adults. I am the oldest grandchild and therefore broke ground when I (along with my next cousin, Erica) was old enough to leave the other kids to participate-only to be used as a pawn by our parents to claim "the best" prize. Ah the Christmas spirit at it's finest! HAHAHA

I have had the pleasure of being included in Tom's family's Christmas traditions. Another big family that is loud and fun. We all get together the week before Christmas for a special dinner and celebration at Kiki's house. Santa has been known to make an appearance, even in the snow. There are tons of kids! We had to miss it this year and as we sat enjoying our "virtual party"  As talked about here.  We realized how much this IS such a HUGE part of OUR CHRISTMAS. We need to plan better for next year. :)

As the years have passed our traditions have changed, but the core of it all remains the same. It IS a wonderful time of year. It is a time for family to come together. It is a time to try out new recipes, eat good food and drink a little wine. It is a time to eat to many desserts. It is a time to be surround by love.

There is a new Hallmark commercial that ends with:

"Traditions are not for keeping, 

they are for keeping us together."

I love it!

And so this year starts another tradition. We will pack up and join fellow travelers as we make our trip from SC to RI for a week. It will be crazy. I am nervous about the flight with the littles. I am excited to be welcomed home. I am excited to see all our family and feel the excitement of Christmas that comes with everyone coming home. I am excited to feel it a little colder, so my body knows that it is Christmas time too. I am excited to see Jack's face on Christmas morning and the faces of those that love him as they too are reminded about the magic of Christmas. I am excited for our families to see how much Will has changed and all that he does now. I am excited to start new traditions and to continue old ones.

So let's start this Crazy Train to Christmas.....I have my ticket and I am ready to hop aboard!