Monday, December 29

Post-Christmas! We have all been so excited for this--our Post-Christmas celebration with Molly, Luca, and Jeremy. We drove to Connellsville this morning, dropped the kids and Farrah off at Mom and Dad's, and went grocery shopping at Martin's, hoping groceries would be a little cheaper there (they were, but not by very much). Mom, Dad, and the girls played gin while we were gone. Molly, Luca, and Jeremy arrived around lunchtime, and the Post-Christmas festivities began.

After lunch, we had our family gift exchange. I don't know how other families do it, but our exchange takes a very long time as we instruct each person on which gift to open, and then provide context into the gift, and then admire it together. Then the next gift. We all received wonderful things, as always. 

Then we had a break to play a few rounds of No Thanks, and then had a big Christmas dinner with wedding soup, pesto, rosemary chicken, and all the sides. 

After dinner was the long-awaited exchange of our homemade gifts. Every year is more amazing than the year before. Our offerings this year: 

Dad - a printed volume of quotes, poems, articles, and ephemera collected across his lifetime. A priceless archive.

Mom - hand poured candles in three seasonal scents

Molly - perler bead trivets and coasters

Jeremy - a skier and snowboarder made wholly of literal trash he collected while walking their dogs

Luca - a multi-height wooden cube artwork

Lucia - reindeer portraits of each family member

Greta - hand poured candles with beachy charms, made from shells from Cape May and thrifted mugs and cups

Andrew - three varieties of shrub, a concoction dating back to the 17th century

Margo - a deck of “Affirming Affirmations” featuring 48 absurd mini collages of all family members (including pets)

Just a wonderful and fun selection. Best part of Christmas. After pie for dessert, Andrew and the kids and I headed back to Pittsburgh, driving through snow.