Every Christmas Eve we would cook in the morning then head to get ready. As we waited for our aunts, uncles and cousins to arrive we would be snacking on appetizers as my mom would warn us not to eat them all. Family would start to arrive and our house would be filled with laughter and noise. My dad is one of seven boys and most of the uncles are able to make it for this family gathering. All the cousins would run around and my grandma would find a place on the couch to talk to everyone and catch up on our lives. I would used to try and corral all the young cousins and attempt to put on a play of Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus. It never seemed to go as smoothly as I expected. I do think the adults were entertained by the effort. We would eat dinner in waves because there was not enough seating for all the cousins at once. Then we would be sent off to play in the basement and the adults would eat and chat. After dinner we would be treated to an incredible assortment of cookies that my mom usually made. As we gathered around the table to eat the adults, with kids in laps and piled on chairs, would start a game of White Elephant. Now our family is very good at this game. We take gifts that we have received or old things around the house and wrap them up ant attempt to get another family member stuck with them. We had a few items that went around from year to year. Such as: a loaf of bread, fish eggs, a pig cookie jar, cologne set, silk gold flower pillow and many more! It would always be exciting to see who would get what that year.
We would sit around the table and eventually the younger cousins would get pj's on and get put in cars. Goodbyes would be said and it was sort of a game on making sure you gave everyone a hug before they left. With the party being at my house a tradition started where everyone would try and not leave with their white elephant gifts. My brothers, sister, parents and I would try and keep tabs on each cousin, aunt and uncle as they left to make sure they had their gifts. We would do sweeps around the house as people left and check hiding places. Every year they left things. One time my uncle left and then drove back around and put the silk pillow in our mailbox and drove off again. My brother chased his car all the way out of the development. We would find random gifts hidden all over the house on Christmas day in beds, stockings, behind our tree and various places.The past three years Christmas Eve is now at my Uncle Chris' house. The first year my dad decided to get back for the 15 years we would have gifts left behind. Our mission: was to not leave the house with anything. We arrived with about ten army men hidden in our pockets each and we were to leave them hidden around the house. We left all of our white elephant gifts as well. This has become a new tradition the past few years and my aunt and uncle still find army men around the house throughout the year. We have hid them in nativity scenes, Christmas trees, bathrooms, and pantries (just to name a few)
Christmas is a time full of family and traditions. I love my family and the fun quirky games we play at parties. I am missing the Christmas Eve party this year but I am blessed to have the opportunity to go home for a few days and spend the holidays with my family. That is what makes Christmas so magical for me...my family. I love houses filled with laughter, good food, fun games and love. It is what makes a family a family. No matter the time or distance when you gather it is a time of community and fun. My family has shaped me and I love the uniqueness of it all. My friends came to a family party once and after it was over they told me it made sense to who I am. I am proud of who I am, My cousin and I have joked that the ultimate test for our future husbands will be a party with my uncles. I will warn you if you ever come to a McGann party you may not be prepared for all that it entails. ;)
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