It's the most wonderful time of the year!

 

We generally start the holiday season off on the Saturday following Tranksgiving - bringing home and decorating the family Christmas tree. Then out comes the illuminated holiday villiage pieces, and setting up the large display of outdoor lights. Bing Crosby swoons carols over the tube radio, and Christmas movies play in the background on TV.

 

Next is an annual shopping spree to the Christmas Store to buy a couple of new blown glass ornaments. We like to add new stuff continuously. Then off to the State Capital building, to buy the annual Official State of Texas tree ornament for the season. (I have the collection from 1997 to present.)

 

Next stop is the European specialty food store, were we stock up on European Christmas treats like dark chocolate Santas and marzipan. In years past we pigged out on tons of carbs (Italian panatone bread, German Stollen cake, candies, cookies, English plumb pudding etc.) but our new diet has us moderating those goodies to symbolic levels. A small tidbit only! But we can still enjoy wonderful pates, cheeses, caviar and champagne.

 

         The first major celebration of the season is Sinterklaas  

         (the Dutch St. Nicholas) with his helper Schwarte Pete.

         (Moyra is Dutch). We leave our shoes out by the door,

         and mysteriously get gifts and treats in them the

         next morning!

 

Next on the agenda is the annual Christmas Party with all our friends. Tons of great food and drink, and a special appearance by "Santa" Doug.

 

The festivities gear up again on the day before Christmas Eve, as we wrap the presents and drop them under the tree. Christmas Eve dinner is usually a gourmet affair - Prime Rib roast, lobster, King Crab or ham with all the veggie goodies. After midnight we open the presents!

 

On Christmas Eve, we always leave a candle burning and favorite cocktails in memory of our parents.

 

On Christmas Day, we pack a lunchbox and drive around the neighborhoods looking at the fabulous Christmas Lights displays.

 

The holiday festivities continue full speed ahead until New Years eve, when we generally go out to party with friends.