Christmas Eve 2013 Recap :: Better late than never!

I've just about recovered from my Christmas hangover. Most of our gifts have been put away into their rightful places and with each passing day the Christmas tree annoys me a little more. But before I put a period on Christmas 2013 and start taking down all of the holiday decor -dreading that- lets quickly go back to Christmas Eve...

My aunt who usually hosts called and canceled the morning of because she wasn't feeling well. Before my Dad could even get the full sentence out of his mouth, my hand shot up like a kid that knows they have the right answer in class....ME, ME, I'LL HOST, PICK ME!!! My brain was immediately flooded with visions of my family at my house, being blown away by the food I made, how I had decorated the house, and playing games...so much so that a new tradition would be born!

This kinda/sorta happened...

My sister took the news of not having to go to my aunts with great enthusiasm and quickly decided that she would now spend Christmas Eve with her boyfriend and his family and took off. My Dad and brother had been sick (flu sick...gross) the days leading up to Christmas Eve so they were not entirely disappointed at the thought of staying home for the night and getting some rest. My Mom did want to come but also didn't mind the thought of staying in...but I wouldn't have it. I was a woman on a mission to adopt Christmas Eve as my own, and they (reluctantly?) ended up coming down. We also invited our good friend Mark to join in the festivities which added to the evening being that much more special.

Now, not to toot my own horn or anything -although that is exactly what I'm doing- but I think for such short notice I kinda pulled it off...