A Christmas Party

Tonight I’m going to my favorite dinner of the year. It is at my Godparents’ mother’s house and it is “The Feast of the Seven Fishes.” It is an Italian American tradition and will include baked mussels, steamed mussels, baked clams, minced clams, salt cod, crab and avocado salad, prawns in more forms than you can imagine, maybe some lobster, and some things that I’m forgetting. And there will be this fried dough that is pretty mind boggling. And then there will be fifty kinds of Christmas cookies that she effortlessly made all herself. They are works of art.

So while I wait in bed for my fever to come down and eat small portions to prepare my stomach, I thought I’d tell you about my other favorite night of the year. The Christmas party.

Firstly, (is that a word?), I like a good fruit centerpiece. I’m just sayin’. It makes me feel very posh…

Secondly, I like lots and lots of candles. Tall translucent ones that don’t burn quickly.

Thirdly, a good punch is in order. It is really the piece de resistance of a holiday party more so than the food.

A good fire helps too. Though not essential. But I really prefer a good fire. I also like a mantle decked with Christmas cards. It makes me feel loved.

Grandma Pellegrini was the first guest so she taste tested the deviled eggs that I made.

And she also brought dip. She is known for this dip. It is her signature dish.

Tree trimming. That’s what life is all about. We have a very large tree…I think over 12 feet. I can hardly see to the top.

And this train set which is pretty and makes a lot of noise. Some man’s voice talks from the conductors seat as it goes round and round. I think it may even puff steam if you want it to. Gordon is in charge of the train. It scares me a little. I’ve seen it come off the tracks and start following people around.

Most people dabbled in the tree trimming. I held a fork to their head.

But it was fun.

(Gordon is meticulous. He oversaw the whole thing).

She reminisced about all of the ornaments she’s had for year and years. Mothers enjoy the nostalgia of the ornaments.

Then the beads. I want nothing to do with these beads. They are an exercise in acrobatics.

Guess what she’s looking at?

Yes. He played. It was marvelous. He made up a song again. I saved it for you:

Did I mention he made that up?

Meanwhile, they caught up. G.P. and Sil, old friends.

And they caught up. M.P. and Dana, also old friends.

And Dana gets the fashion award for the evening. She wore both pom poms and a dragon on her sweatpants. I aspire to be that cool one day.

Sil also gets a fashion award. Way to make the first snow storm an excuse to look elegant and edgy all at once.

Merry Christmas! May Santa bring you all that you’ve ever wanted. *Mwah*.