Christmas Party

originally posted at http://baylessnews.blogspot.com/2009/01/christmas-party.html


My grandparents hosted their traditional Christmas party for the whole family on Sun the 22nd. It was a packed house just like years past, but this time toddlers were taking over the place (i guess that’s what happens when you welcome 5 more great grandchildren in a 12 month period). I always enjoy these gatherings because they are so casual and and it’s usually the only time I get to see many of my relatives.
All the traditions I remember growing up are still in tact, including the mandatory talent display in exchange for cold hard cash from Grandpa Great as well as the family gift exchange. I was thrilled to get my cousin Emily since it meant I could buy something hip and cool and

we also enjoyed shopping for my cousin Raphe, who despite being a San Diego local, loves the Philadelphia Eagles (and what a year to be a fan right?!) I wonder where his loyalities will lie during the playoffs? hmmm….
My brother James, playing and singing his own rendition of O Holy Night. Very cool. Bet you didn’t know he was in a band did you? : )
It’s been great having kids because they’ve gotten Jordan and I out of having to to do individual talents for a few years now. We didn’t give Sam any warning that he was going to be our family’s talent, but he didn’t seem to mind when it was our turn and we plopped him on a chair in the middle of the room, handed him a children’s book we found lying on the floor and asked him to read it to the packed house. One of the few things Sam’s not shy about is showing off his stellar reading skills so he happily obliged.
Other talents included my brother William singing in Russian, Charles impersonating Mindy’s Jazzercise moves, Aunt Lorraine & Cousin Emily impersonating Katie Couric and Sarah Palin, Gary and Rebekah’s family singing Jingle Bells, Eric and Harmony’s 1 year daughter Skye dancing, well bouncing to Brittany Spears (or was it Justin Timberlake?), my Uncle Jay reading “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and my Aunt Riki and cousin Alesha (both with Downs syndrome) gracing us with their sweet spirits in song and dance. This is our talent.

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