Our Holidays...

THE PLAN:

We did this last year, and I am thinking it is a good plan...  We celebrate Thanksgiving AND Christmas on the same long weekend.  I know it sounds terribly frantic, but it isn't, really.  And then I'm done, and don't have to get all caught up in the Christmas rush.

We did this last year because my younger son was planning to go to Australia for the Winter Break from school.  My older son and his fiance' didn't know what their plans were going to be, so I thought, if we got everyone together, we might as well do it all.  It worked out well, and was fun.  I am also thinking that this relieves them of worrying about me when making holiday plans with the other side of their families as they get older.  

So it works like this over a four-day weekend:  Thanksgiving Day is Thanksgiving.  Friday we eat leftovers and prepare for Christmas by decorating and baking.  Saturday is Christmas Eve dinner and traditions.  Sunday is Christmas morning, church, lunch, and travel home for everyone.  We also get some holiday crafting done, play some games, watch special Christmas cartoons or movies, and the general fun of being all together :)

This year however, there will be a twist at the end... On Sunday morning after our Christmas present opening and church, Ben and I are going to be driving south for a small vacation! A fond farewell for the both of us before he heads to Sweden.

* * *

AND HOW IT WORKED OUT:

Say what you will about the Christmas trees being out in the stores before Halloween, but it is surely handy for pulling off the Extravaganza! I have all the shopping done now. A little preparation, and I think it's a GO !! Whew!  Just have to squeeze in 36 hours of graveyard shift before then also. Hope I am not too tired to enjoy Thanksgiving Day... but dinner will be later in the day than usual.

B. came down from Washington, and we were able to spread out at G.'s since most of his roommates are away for the holiday weekend.

And then, THANKSGIVING:

Best time with the boys! Just fun for us to be together! Enjoyed the Cowboys win in football, had a great dinner, enjoyed highlights from the Macy's Parade (didn't watch the whole recorded event... mostly the Rockettes and Santa!), took naps, played video games, ate pecan pie, and watched a hit movie. It's been a great Thanksgiving!

And ON Saturday:

A fun filled Christmas Eve for us! Ham, marshmallowed yams, and green bean casserole, salad and rolls. Simple. Tree decorating, haha... look at our little tree! Some gift giving, holiday crafting, baking, and watching Mickey's Christmas. Soon the Christmas story and setting up the Nativity scene.

 Merry Christmas to All!!

:)