Trim the tree party

 Twenty years ago to celebrate our first Christmas in the new house we decided to have a party. Just something small. We used the theme of decorating the tree. We supplied the tree, lights, ornaments and lots of food. Brenda, Chris and Elizabeth were there that first year and for all the following ones until we left for Rome. The tradition seemed to snowball. Everyone that came returned. The event was a success and we loved having everyone. Those first several parties started with us taking the grandchildren out to pick  the tree. A real tree. In the snow or just the cold. They ran, laughed, played and I cut the tree. They participated, that is what mattered.

Our yearly tradition may have started with three guests, but by the time we left for Rome the number had expanded at least ten-fold. Anyone that came, returned. No calorie counters need apply! Grace can flat out cook and she loves doing it.

After a two year hiatus, we had our first Florida event with a turnout in the teens...that's people not degrees! Of course it's grown, everything grows here. We expect around thirty this time and most, not all are returnees. We no longer use a real tree, that just isn't a good idea from our point of view. Heat vs safety and we choose safety. Now we have an eight foot high artificial one that I always dread assembling...will the lights work??? And Grace always dreads dis-assembling.

Preparation has already begun for this year's party. Invitations are out, paper goods purchased, cookie dough made and sitting in the freezer and I'll be starting some of the cleaning after posting this.

We are both anticipating another great evening and having a houseful of happy people. Hope you are in the neighborhood!