That sounds like a lovely evening! What's not to like about champagne, cheese, and crackers?

The shortbread is chilling in the fridge. I will make challah tomorrow.

Calli's kitchen creations all sound wonderful. This reminds me that I need to pick up some champagne for NYE since B's girlfriend will drink it with me. Neither my son nor husband indulge. Sr. will order fruity or ice cream-type things, maybe a Bailey's when we are out, and Jr. used to say he drank once a year on his birthday, but I don't think he even does that anymore. He prefers to inhale his intoxicants. However, the gf will keep me from drinking alone, not that being the lone imbiber has ever stopped me.

My list is still so long! Mostly picking up and cleaning. This does not cause me any stress as anyone who will be here in the next few days loves me enough to ignore my housekeeping deficiencies. DH really needs to do something about his office though as that is where the big air mattress will reside for the kids.

I’m in Michigan and working and bummed I’m missing some snow at home. But about to head to brunch with fave in laws so I shouldn’t complain.

On Christmas Eve, we generally have lunch with my dad and then go directly to my mom's for dinner. Today, Mom adamantly wants us there at 3:30 for reasons known only to her, but my dad is working and won't be home until 2:15. This means we have less than an hour to spend with my dad, and it is the greatest Christmas gift EVER.

B Jr and Lana are going to arrive at 9AM tomorrow completely exhausted. She works in a big Italian deli and has been working long shifts every day for the last week and will be today until at least 8. Then they have to leave by 2:30 AM to get to Albany for a 6AM flight to Ft. Lauderdale. Then breakfast here with family including the 11- and 4-year-old cousins, followed by dropping her off to visit with her family, then driving 2 hours to BIL's for dinner, and driving back home. I'm thinking we are sleeping very well tomorrow night. At least my son will be able to sleep to and from dinner, but I don't think she is going to get any rest.

eta: Well done, Teppy, with the time limits!

My cousin hosted the extended family holiday gathering last night, and it was great fun. Unfortunately one of my cousins and a couple of in-laws were under the weather and opted out—hopefully they're all on the mend. The apple pie I baked was ugly, but a success in terms of reviews.

The funniest part of the evening was the host's much-loved and pampered dog carrying her food bowl around to all the guests as if she were a hungry stray: [link]

I’m at work. Little bit of snow and freezing rain this morning, but roads were fine.

Tomorrow I’ve invited some otherwise alone people over to sit and visit. I have knitting and board games and a puzzle if people are interested.

The 26th mac gets his cast off and moves to a walking boot. Praise be to the blessed walking boot. I’m over all the trips up and down stairs for meals and water refills.

Matt, that's hilarious. That poor Dickensian dog.

msbelle, that shouldn't happen again, but if it does, Mom has always found rather a Command Post approach to be most helpful, ie, leaving out multiple things at once. (although that wasn't too nice the year with all the gnats)

My father apparently discovered "Fairytale of New York" last year when Shane MacGowan died and decided it was a good time to play it for me, not that I'm objecting. (Oh, it's in the context of an article about other musicians' favorite Christmas songs.)