Up until I was about 10 years old, after visiting the cemetery we would head to my Grandpa Sam and Grandma Rose's house for Christmas dinner. In attendance were my grandparents, my family, my Uncle Rich, Auntie Sue and their daughters, my cousins Diana and Ali, as well as my Grandma Rose's sons Charles and Anthony and their families. I guess you could call them my step-uncles and cousins. The dynamic was a little different there, with the combining of two separate families, and it was always a little chaotic. My Grandma Rose was a fantastic cook, and the dinners and desserts were always delicious. I loved my grandparents very much, but I hate to say that no one memory of those Christmases sticks out in my head. Part of that could be that we were trying to mesh two very different families, but more likely it is because I was so young for all those Christmases, and, unfortunately, have forgotten a lot about them.
After Grandpa Sam died, Uncle Rich and Auntie Sue started hosting Christmas dinner at their house. These dinners I absolutely do remember - there are so many funny stories from over the years. Auntie Sue is also a phenomenal cook, and the meals were fantastic. Uncle Rich is one of a kind, I don't really know how to describe him. He loves to entertain, I will just put it that way! If any of you were at my wedding, he gave the toast and blessing, and I know you remember that! For those of you not lucky enough to hear, he had us in tears - mostly from laughing! Various other relatives would join these dinners from year to year - Sometimes other cousins on my Dad's side, often members of Auntie Sue's family, and sometimes just friends of my Uncle and Aunt. Laughs were never scarce. After dinner, uncle Rich would open up his library of videotapes and pop in tape after tape of some news story or show that made him laugh and, in turn, us. Most of the time, these news clips were serious issues that were not meant to make us laugh, but he and my Dad have a unique sense of humor. It was at his house that we saw the Jerry Springer show for the first time, long before the hype and it became a mainstream hit and source of amusement. I laugh out loud when I think of all the Christmas dinners spent with Uncle Rich, Auntie Sue, Diana and Ali.
In the last couple of years, my grandmother's health has declined and she has moved to a nursing home. My grandfather has also declined a bit, and he has moved in with my parents. Because of this, my mother hosted Christmas dinner at our house for my grandparents last year, and will again this year. I think this is a trend that will continue, and I really enjoyed the change of pace last year when we were able to attend. We had a quiet dinner with just my immediate family and grandparents, but it was very relaxing and intimate. My mother even ordered dinner from a local catering company so no one had to worry about cooking! It was a great meal, and nice quality time together.
As you can see, our Christmas dinner has changed a lot over the years, and I know will continue to evolve. What matters the most is that we are always with family. Being together is the most important, not where we eat or what is on the menu. Thanks to all the members of my family, both immediate and extended, who have been a part of so many important past Christmas dinners! Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of photos from years past, I did dig up a couple from 2002...
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