Christmas Eve, then and now

When I was young, we would go to my grandparents every Chrsitmas Eve. I would sit in her kitchen and eat all the holiday candy I could before I was discovered by a well meaning adult worried about my appetite. My very favorite treat was crackers with a dollop of peanut butter covered in chocolate. I always thought my grandmother made those just for me, and I don't remember her denying that, but, now I know better! My grandmother's house had that grandparent smell and fell. Warm, full of joy, and she always laughed at my imagintive stories. One of my most vivid memories is of her Chrsitmas tree. It was white with red decorations and lights. An angel adorned the top of the tree and presents were piled high underneath. There would be envelopes hidden in the white branches for the parents and a wrapped gift under the tree for us grandkids.
 It was....magical.

I don't have a picture of the real thing, so this will have to do. Picture it with red lights and big red bulbs (not the shiny kind, the ones that were wrapped in thread, remember those??)

Fast foward some years (let's not get into how many exactly!) to present day. Since we have been married, Dan and I have gone to my grandparents as a couple. I would still sit and eat as much candy as I could until discovered by a well meaning husband worried about my health. The tree is no longer white and the decorations are no longer solely red.  Some years we would see cousins with their spouses and children, and Aunts and Uncles. Each member of the family stopping by at some point during the two days of Christmas to this central location.

Now, the envelopes hidden in the branches are for us grandkids and our spouses. The gifts wrapped under the tree for our kids. The teasing from Grandpa showered on our children. The seats we sat in, our children now sit in. The favorite treat of mine is devoured by my own children hoping not to be discovered by that well meaning adult worried over thier appetite.

 It is still......magical.

This year we will be unable to go to my grandparents on Christmas Eve. We will see them instead the day after Christmas. The tree will be in the same place it has been for all of my life, the candy still the same, the feeling of joy and laughter and hugs will still be there. I am so grateful my kids have great grandparents. I am even more grateful we get to see them as often as we do.
 It will still be....magical.

So Merry Christmas Eve. May your family fill you with joy, peace, and love where ever they may be.