Christmas Day II

After the gifts we got everyone fed and hung out. We did not have lot to do to prepare the food, which left all of us feeling a little ill at ease. We set up an anti-pasti plate, which is a family tradition that reaches back into the mists of time, at least four years. I like anti-pasti and just decided that it would be part of our tradition. So sue me.

The rest of the family started arriving around 1400. Adults, kids, guests. My sister and her family. My "brother" and his family. My cousin. One of my sister's co-workers, who was away from home for the holiday. Eighteen of us in all, from 87 to 18 months. We also had four dogs, two cats and two fish. It all sounds very Dr. Seuss, when I put it like that.

We snacked and drank and talked until the turkey was done. We loaded the table and got down to business. The chaos almost subsided during the meal, though with small kids it never truly goes away.

After the meal we cleared the table, I did some dishes and then Tracy came in to let me know that the kids were circling the tree like vultures. We opened up the second set, mostly for the kids this time. Owyn was totally down with opening presents the second time around. Rhys was all over the place. There was a cloud of wrapping paper and in five minutes the kids turned a tree full of presents into toys and trash. The adults barely had time to snap a couple pictures.

Following the second present opening it was time for the kids to get down to some serious play and for the adults to chill a little bit and catch our breath. Everyone left about 1830, leaving us to put the boys to bed and sit with our feet up.

It was a great day. Happy kids, lots of family, no drama and good food. Just the way Christmas should be.