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#christmasespastYour Christmas eve briefing...let me talk about what Christmas eve and Christmases were like when I was a child. Dad had spent a lot of time in Germany and France, thanks to the US Army. He had picked up a liking for things European and the importance of Christmas eve.
Dad would bring home a big bag with all sorts of foods and goodies from a store called European Imports. It was packed with real cheeses (not the American fakes), all sorts of crackers, and delicacies that only he liked including chocolate ants. All these goodies would be put out on the counter. A bottle of excellent bourbon would be opened. We stood around the counter eating the great food and drinking bourbon with ginger ale. (Elena finds it barbaric to eat while standing up.) Despite being under aged, I was allowed to drink "the hard stuff." My dear sister was not allowed to drink alcohol because she was "a girl." There was a lot of fun and small talk.

We always had a large and well-decorated Christmas tree in the living room. Lots of wrapped packages could be found underneath. My sister and I were each allowed to open one package before going to bed.

We hardly slept afterwards. We would be up at three in the morning opening packages and assembling our toys. Dad would get up early and play along side us. Mother would get up and cook a real American breakfast. Dad would then take us out to look at Christmas decorations and take in a movie.

While we were out having fun with dad, mother would slave all day long in the kitchen cooking a big turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, vegetables and a pumpkin or pecan pie. It was all-natural ingredients.

When we got back from spending time with dad, we found the house full of the smells of great food cooking. Later we would sit down to a grand dinner.

Everyone go out there and make some good Christmas memories!!!! Be thankful for all the good things that you have in life!!! Be positive!!!