Christmas changes as the children grow. This year, my oldest daughter traveled with her boyfriend to Wyoming to spend Christmas with his family. He has a 2 year-old niece, so everyone marveled over her first understanding of Christmas. Maggie sent pictures and called through facetime, so we connected. But it was not the same. Christmas Day was quieter, but still wonderful. Jeff made the obligatory pancakes, even though he had to make a run for milk and syrup. My mother’s dressing recipe turned out great, and we enjoyed the time with our two other daughters and my mother-in-law. Not to mention the delight of the dogs with their new toys and treats.
This weekend our family has grown. We are all together in Jackson to celebrate Christmas with my family. We are 18 all together. Each of my daughters has a boyfriend with her, so our five grew to 8. This is a first for us. Last night the eight of us went out to a restaurant to eat and hear my brother play. What fun! The sisters requested “Sidney Elf,” a Christmas song Hunter wrote when they were younger. We all sang along when up pops Sidney, Hi de doo!
Tonight the 18 of us will get together to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. We are all so grateful to be together and to know my parents are happy and healthy. We have much to be grateful for and to celebrate!
Reflections on the Teche 
Happy Birthday to your father, Margaret. What a wonderful year he’s had with the publishing of your book together! Sounds as if there were changes as you said, with the boyfriends there too. New family ties. Happy you have had a good week! Happy New Year too!
Margaret,
Happy Celebrating this week. So wonderful to read about how the growing family celebrated together. Enjoy the birthday celebration for your dad!
Your first line made my heart smile because Christmas is changing at our house too. My son’s girlfriend was with us for the first time. I also had all the gifts under the tree before my kids went to bed…much to my 21 year old’s dislike. I hope your father’s birthday celebration went well….that is quite a celebration!
I understand your feelings of Christmas changing – for us, too! The addition of boyfriends is interesting, isn’t it?! Sounds like you had lots to celebrate – 18, 8, and 80! 8 is your number this year!
I hadn’t even noticed all the 8’s. I hope it is lucky. Whew! What a night!