Tuesday was our annual Christmas Eve party that just like previous years was at our house. Unlike past years, we had more people coming and we would hold it earlier than we usually would. 2020 and 2021 we had very few at the house and the same was said about 2022. ’20 and ’21 were due to COVID and ’22 was due to the extreme cold. We had a few more in 2023 and we would capitalize from there in 2024. This was a more fitting schedule for those who had other parties or wanted to go to church. That’s something I want to get back to next year.
We had 18 people in attendance for Christmas Eve, the most we’ve had our place in the post-COVID 19 era. It was the most people since my graduation party in 2000. Unlike other years, we held our Christmas Eve party in the afternoon this year. We were going to start at 3, but people started to arrive at 2. It was Christmas like no other for us, and a Cute Cardigan Christmas for me that would continue into Christmas Day.
Our smorgasbord was our cup runneth over. From turkey balls to chicken to meatballs, there was something for everyone. I missed out on the shrimp but made up for it with plenty of our traditional turkey balls. I miss our parties but I understand that they were a lot of work for my Mom. Christmas Eve was no exception, but Mom outdid herself like she used to in the good old days.
We ate well on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day and the days following. Mom made plenty of food and so did Momma P when I ate over there. I slayed on Christmas Eve with this cute striped sweater and green sweater tank top you’re seeing up top and in the thumbnail. I’ve worn this at other holiday gatherings in 2022 (Thanksgiving) and 2023 (Christmas Eve). I got a lot of my praise on my outfit at TLI. It almost resembled a black jumpsuit in a way. I think I know what I want to buy next. Just like that day, I wore my cheetah sweater which I did when I went to Momma P’s for Christmas. I’m just living in the moment here, folks.
I slept much better on Christmas morning than I did Christmas Eve morning. It was a little more quiet and a little less chaotic. I woke up at 7:30 AM, ate a bagel with cream cheese and had a cup of coffee. We opened presents at 9:00 AM before I got ready to go to Momma P’s a little later.
We had a great visit together. We sat in the living room and opened presents. I walked in the door and showed off my Michael Kors purse and my ‘fit which included my cheetah sweater. My South Side siblings and my brodog got me gifts, and from my Momma I got cash. Some of them were from Sephora, as well as Bath and Body Works. I also got some Office playing cards. I’ll be watching that show to combat my seasonal depression come January, as well as listening to ’90s rewatch podcasts. At home, I got some clothes and gift cards. I have a lot of Old Navy gift cards on hand so a nice haul is coming. I’ll be getting back to going outside walking and getting serious about exercise in 2025.
While my Somerset family was visiting, I was enjoying turkey and stuffing with my second family and celebrating English tradition by pulling apart crackers. We got a nice family picture around the imaginary Festivus pole, airing all of our grievances. All of us parted ways by 2:30, leaving Momma and my brodog to themselves and her to relax after a busy Christmas morning for her. I took in a nice long winter’s nap this evening and ate that plate of turkey and stuffing that I got from Momma. I watched the Christmas Story sequel and tried to explain it to my aunt. Before the holiday is done, I will consider watching 8-bit Christmas.
Finally, we got out and saw some Christmas lights in the days before Christmas. My parents got to enjoy Larry’s Lights in Youngwood on Sunday night. For me, this was my third time seeing the iconic display. I went in 2020 and again in 2021, both in the height of COVID. It’s just as great in 2024. Monday night, we drove around Manor to look at an amazing light display that has a lot of yard ornaments. We didn’t check out the houses in Penn Township this time but I’m sure they all looked very decorated.
Happy Holidays and I will see you in 2025!
Stylish 🍒 