Cynthia, Erica, Stella, Jordan, Kevin and Dad got together to put up the Christmas tree. If it looks like I'm just sitting away from the action, it's because it was the case. I helped a little, but mostly gave orders. Cynthia purchased a "black" Christmas tree, of all things, but it came out surprisingly pretty with white garland and lights. To the right is a picture of the tree. And we still hadn't even put the Christmas bulbs on yet. On the left is Jordan's cat, Bolt, peeking through the tree branches.
And then we went to work on making a gingerbread house. I know that the box makes it look easy, however, we struggled to make it and keep it together. With enough glue (frosting) we got it together and then let Kevin do most of the decorating. It actually came out way better than the one we made for Christmas last year. But almost as soon as we made it and took a picture, then we started to tear it apart and eat it. An hour and a half's amount of work was quickly destroyed. Plus, I think I nearly broke a tooth trying to bite into that thick, hard gingerbread roof. Kevin had a lot of fun though.
Of course, before we all started opening presents, we feasted on a variety of food brought by everyone. Since eating out was difficult with the coronavirus still raging, we did a pot-luck dinner. Dad made eggplant parmesan and lasagna, Cynthia made the 3 types of quiche and a pumpkin cheesecake and Erica brought dips, meatballs, fruit pie and a caprese salad. There was an abundance of great food! Beer, wine and whiskey sours were the drinks of the night!
Jordan and Dad then started to hand out the presents. Kevin and Cynthia start accumulating all of their gifts while Sophia cuddles up with the biggest stuffed Paw Patrol doll that she's ever seen!
Michelle, Clint and Sophia are buried in a pile of gifts. James was in the background taking pictures all night. The Giordano's are seen here sitting in the middle of a cornucopia of riches!
Stella tries to eat a plastic Mickey Mouse while Sophia looks on in amazement!
Kevin looks like he's just happy to be here with all of his presents!
The ever-growing line up of Christmas stockings (now up to 12) hanging from the mantle.
Clint and Michelle during a toast made to Mom. We all had Whiskey Sours (her favorite cocktail) in her memory.
It was truly a wonderful family gathering at Cynthia's house to end the year and the start of a new decade!
Merry
Christmas
from George, Connie, Cynthia, Erica, Michelle, Jordan, James, Kevin, Sophia, Stella, Andrew and Clint!