Traditions I can count on Pt. 2: The Party of the Year!

So this is the night I wait for all year long!  I just love it!  We have way too much fun being together and have really established some great traditions over the past 25 years.  Christmas Eve at Nonna's!  What a grand event!  It always starts out with dinner and every year we seem to try doing it earlier and earlier so that we can get everything in.  Mom made Prime Rib again for dinner with baked potatoes rolled in kosher salt, Sarah brought rolls and I brought my spinach salad.  Soooo yummy!  After we were sufficiently full, we cleaned up and gathered to start the festivities!  We usually start with a little talent share.  It's a good way to involve the kids.  All of the Beeson kids play the piano and are now getting really good!  I don't think Jingle bells was even played this year!  

 Jake singing a song that he learned for his school program.  He got right up and sang and did the motions without hesitation.  He sang so clear and wasn't embarrassed a bit...which is VERY out of character for him.

 Gabe sang his song from school, too.  He was cute and did it with a smile on his face.

 Then came the 12 days of Christmas song.  Sam, if you can't tell, had "four calling birds".

 Jake and Todd were "two turtle doves"

 Nonna was "ten ladies dancing"

 Jack was "Seven Swans-a-swimming...

 Buzz....if you can't guess, was six geese-a-laying...

 Eliza and Claire were 5 golden rings

 When we finish doing the Christmas story/Nativity, we have a little game with our white elephant/dollar gifts.  It's always fun to see what each other ends up with!

 Sam's white elephant gift. He was OVERCOME with emotion....

 Jammie time!  All the kids put on their new Christmas Jammies!

 Boys trying to look tough....we know better!

 Nonna opening her new Kindle!  She was thrilled!

Then we get the treats out for the party!  This is when friends and family gather and sing and eat and enjoy being together!  It's always such a good time.
 Chocolate Fountain?  What chocolate fountain?

 Gabe holding his newest cousin Ellie.

 It's always fun when the Hancock's come and play and sing.  Gaye and Dick Beeson always come, too and share their Christmas song that they compose every year.

 Mom enjoying and soaking it all in!

 Eliza and Buzz playing their Christmas Duet....

I think this is how we all felt by the end of the evening!