Old Posts- Our families and the holidays 12/15/08

So as you can see by my "relatives" box, I have a HUGE family. My mom was one of nine kids, my dad was one of seven kids, my mother-in-law's family had twelve (?), my father-in-law's fam was a bit smaller with only 2. My husband is one of five boys, and for me, it was just my little bro and I.

So with all those people it makes for some crazy fun holidays. On my mom's side we usually rent out my Grandparents church. We pack 60-70 people into the church basement for lunch and then take over the youth center and various classrooms for games and such. After we've digested our food it's time for presents. White elephant with a large family can get very dangerous, and then we sit down for the feast. James and I like to take the little ones (not little anymore) sledding on the big hill every year. The big hill is very big, and we've seen some injuries before. You can't really expect to stand at the bottom of the hill with a tobbogan with 5 grown kids (emphasis on kids) coming at you and not expect to get run over.

On my dad's side the holiday's aren't quite as crazy. The only reason I can think of... there isn't as many people. I'd say we're still around 40-50 strong. Christmas is usually at G&G's house, with all the leaves in the dining room table, as well as the table on in the sunroom. We've run out of chairs, so we resort to the piano bench, and step stools. Afterwards all the kids (mid 20's and under) pack into the hall and play the quarter game with Uncle Marve (my dad). The quarter game consits of several items- lots of people (even number is a must) divided into two teams, holding hands with eyes closed sitting across from one another in the cramped hallway. My dad sits at one end with a quarter, the first person in line has their eyes open, if the quarter lands on heads- you squeeze the person's hand next to you and so on down the line, the first line to grab the quarter wins that round. If you win the person grabbing the quarter then moves to the head of the line & the whole line moves down "spot". The goal is to get every person at the head of the line. If perhaps you squeeze when it lands on tales, and you "win" the round you have to reverse the line!! It becomes very challenging, but it's an absolute riot.

We don't get together with James' extended family, because they're everywhere, and there's too many, even for a church basement. We reserve getting together with them for the summer, we have a reunion ever year at Mom & Dad's. It consists of camping out in their yard, pancake breakfast, fun & games for the rest of the day. Getting together in the summer helps because we can spread out more.

Christmas Eve or Day we usually get together with James' immediate family. This has become increasingly difficult as we're spread all over the Western Hemisphere. There's one in Costa Rica, Florida, Kentucky & two in Michigan. We're doing pretty good if 3 of the boys are home for Christmas at once. We've started a tradition of spending a few nights at Mom & Dad's over the holiday. Thanksgiving was a riot- 3 of the boys and their families (12 total) were all able to be home and stay over night. The next morning Grandma (who lives next door) came to visit, and some other cousins showed up as well. We played Dutch Blitz with 8 people, don't try this at home!!

Christmas with my immediate family usually occurs sometime after things have settled down a bit. New Years Day was common for a few years, but had to be changed this year because work schedules changed. My little bro (little... yeah right) or I usually act as Santa and distribute presents. Stockings are filled with the receivers favorite candy, chapstick, and other little trinkets. Dinner consists of appetizers & fondue. You can't go wrong with chocolate & cheese!

Our Christmas... I usually can't wait to give James his presents so we usually open them before Christmas Eve. Traditionally James gets me an entirely new outfit for church & work (including shoes & purse). I've had many compliments on the outfits he purchases for me over the years.

I'd love to hear your traditions for the holidays!