Holiday Happenings

On December 26th our grandson, Brandon, and his wife, Venessa, invited all of his immediate family [plus Jerry and me] over for dinner.  They were so happy to host everyone in their new home.  The temps were in the high 40's - low 50's so Brandon took advantage of the unseasonably warm temps to grill outside.

Brandon, Venessa, and Charlie, their Shih Tzu 

~ Jerry [Great Papa] and Evie ~

Evie opening one of her Christmas presents.

~ John and Tiffany [our granddaughter and her husband] ~

Lori and her sweet granddaughter, Juliette [my daughter and great-granddaughter].

Juliette was just too tired to party anymore!  

John and Tiffany gave us a beautiful family picture.

It was a lovely evening with family.  The only one missing was granddaughter, Marissa. Thank you, Brandon and Venessa for your wonderful hospitality!

On Sunday after church I headed over to the assisted living facility for their monthly tea party.  12 residents attended.   Shore Pointe always decorates so beautifully at Christmas and this year they focused on Cardinals.

Some were perched in the tree and others were in gilded bird cages.

I didn't take any pictures of the residents, but I took a photo of the treats I gave them which coordinated with my topic, Traditions That Make Christmas Meaningful.  

Did you know that Germany has had more influence on Christmas customs than any other country?  Christmas trees, Kugel ornaments, Gingerbread Houses, Stollen [fruited yeast bread], Candy Canes, Advent Calendars, Nutcrackers, and some of our beloved Christmas Carols.

I gave each of them a Little Debbie Christmas Tree cake, and Candy Cane.

Almost every country has their own version of Santa Claus.  Here are just a few:  

Father Christmas - England

St. Nicholas [Nick] - He was born in modern-day Turkey but is celebrated 

                                                             in many European countries.

Sinter Klaas - Holland

Kris Kringle - Austria/Germany

Tomten - Sweden and Finland

Pere Noel - France

I also gave them each a Chocolate Santa Claus.  Since toasted rice was mixed in the chocolate they were called Crisp Kringles [a little play on words by the manufacturer].

I made my last urn of tea for 2019 at The Whitney today.  We had 62 guests for Afternoon Tea.  I'm off now thru Thursday - no alarm clock tomorrow, yay! ;-)  When I return on Friday it will be 2020 and I'll be starting the New Year off by serving 32 guests Afternoon Tea - a fun way to begin the New Year!  January is National Hot Tea Month.

How have you spent these last few days of 2019?