Rehearsal for Dinner

Ten family members will be here for Christmas dinner on the afternoon of the 25th. It's been a long time since we've hosted this annual meal, so this afternoon and evening I am doing as much of the preparing that can be done before the day of the meal as possible. In a little while I'll cover the table with a plastic cloth to keep the dust off.

We'll be having the traditional Christmas meal; well, I guess there is no such thing as traditional. Traditional in our family used to be turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, hot vegetable, rolls, cranberry, and dessert (usually pies). Then when I married into the "Fun" family I discovered prime rib roast for Christmas dinner. Several times we've had a "Honey Baked Ham." For the 2012 meal, we're going to have the traditional turkey meal. We have a 22+ pound "Butterball" turkey to roast.

Tomorrow I'll do the final preparations; I need a few things at the grocery store and I still have a few gifts for our great-grandson Tristan that need to be wrapped. So I guess tonight is rehearsal for the dinner -- everything but the food. Doesn't sound like fun, does it! Let's eat -- it's the best part!

This morning our little church did the "Christmas Eve" celebration. I know that sounds crazy, but the music team decided that if they did the musical celebration on the evening of the 24th many of the congregation would not come because they just don't drive after dark. So lots of people invited friends and this morning the sanctuary was filled with people and it was filled with music. The associate pastor directed the musical, put the script together, which was mostly scripture, and even wrote one of the many songs the team sang. It was all very moving.

I think I feel more ready for Christmas this evening than I have so far this season. Whew!

Good night from Southern California, and rain is still predicted.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol