Christmas with the Buske's

On this final Christmas memories blog I would like to reflect on the Christmases spent with my wonderful in-laws. In the years past my mother and father in-law hosted the annual Christmas Eve party, following Midnight Mass. You heard me, the party started after the Midnight Mass and usually went until just before my husband and his siblings awoke on Christmas morning.

Oyster soup, baked goods, and a time of fellowship filled the house. Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors flooded the house to share in the joy of the Christmas season. This tradition continued even after my mother and father-in-law moved to a senior housing apartment building, but at the various relative’s homes. This year was no different with the family gathering at Ed’s sister’s house.

While the extended family doesn’t tend to come anymore, my husband’s siblings and mother are always in attendance. I was raised in a home of four so their family functions have always brought an overwhelming smile and joy to my heart. Even the wildest of gatherings in my family are quiet in comparison to those spent with a family of ten. (Reminds me of the oil and vinegar analogy from a previous post, lol, he is the cutie sitting on the floor and his Mom is in the kitchen behind him)

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Regardless of the Christmas tradition, the size of one’s family, the amount of gifts under the tree or the supply of food in the kitchen ~ the true gift is Jesus. I’m blessed with all of these. I pray you are too! Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow’s blog will start my “2012 Traditions” series. Our pastor told us earlier in the month, “Watching and waiting require action!” As you watch 2011 wind down and wait for 2012 to arrive…this week’s blog series will prompt you into action for a positive and fruitful new year.

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