police nighty-night

You may be wondering about today's headline. It's locked in family lore forever. When she was perhaps 2, daughter Caitlin heard the song, "Feliz Navidad" and decided it was "Police Nighty-Night." It has been that ever since.

We are back from our traditional Christmas Eve party held in the home of Luly and Ed Shaver. There were about 35 guests this year, each toting some delicious morsel to share. We took a roasted tomato hors d'oeuvre, a HUGE green salad with Mandarine oranges, jicama and red onions and a curry-infused dressing, and Mr. C. baked two pies, pumpkin and apple. There was an assortment of pre-feast nibbles, all the usual dishes like turkey, stuffing, white and sweet potatoes, vegetables, pickled beets, and a wonderful casserole of corn and chili peppers whipped up by Mac. Much of what shows up on the groaning board are the favorite dishes the guests grew up with, as in "You have to have maple syrup-laced sweet potatoes at Christmas!" "What?? No rutabegas?" My family had it's big dinner on Christmas night complete with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, peas and carrots, Brussel sprouts (Daddy's favorite), Waldorf salad and pumpkin pie. Usually champagne for the grown-ups. My mother Martha Stewart-ized the house and it was wonderfully fragrant and festive. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I went all out with decorations, candles, food and gifts. (Thanksgiving was my sister's and she went all out for that one.) Now, if I can get lights up somewhere and the creche set up, I feel I've done enough! But at this couple's lovely and generous celebration a good time was had by all, and if anyone didn't have a good time it was their own fault.



The Baby Jesus arrived at midnight just as predicted. He settled right into the manger as though he had been there many times before.

From our casa to yours, we send our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2010 bring the blessings of health and happiness to you and your loved ones and a longed-for peace to our world.