Glenn & I traveled to SC for a Christmas celebration with my family. Arriving safely & unpacking on the 20th, we settled in for a moment before getting back in the car, driving to my sister's house across the field & getting she & David and riding up to Stanton's BBQ to meet Frank & Ann. (Ann stayed home due to bronchitis.) Stanton's is a favorite family restaurant. It also sets on the old Goodwin Plantation, and the area is still referred to as Goodwin's Mill Pond.
Mom had the house decorated for Christmas. Shiloh members gathered at moms house Tuesday the 17th for a church Christmas get-together. Susan helped mom decorate.
I sang with Smyrna & Shiloh choirs for their Christmas music presentation on the 20th. Afterwards we all gathered in the fellowship hall for some hors doeuvres. We had a good time.
Christmas day was festive with 17 of our family present. From BBQ chicken wings or fried chicken wings to sausage balls, pigs n blanket or sloppy joes we had a great start of delicious pick-ups. We also munched on cheese balls, dips and a large assortment of desserts.
With bellies full and all of us seated around the front room, we played a "left/right" Nativity Game. Frank ended up with the candy jar.
I handed out the Christmas gifts this year three at a time. Each one opened their gift and held it up for all to see. Some of the gifts I saw were "handmade" foot spa mix, burlap garden flags, peanut brittle, cross-stitch pieces from 1981, guitar canvas..........oh my, there were so many presents being opened and all kinds of gifts from the heart.
My family is blessed to share this time together. Mom enjoys all of us being at home. Happy thoughts for dad...his children coming back home to celebrate together the birth of our Savior and family love. Dad loved this time of the year...and being Santa to all of us.
