Merry Christmas Eve

Nothing says the holiday like a big family gathering. The photo at the top of the post is of some of the many pairs of shoes left at the front door on Christmas Eve at my parent's house while their owners (aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family members) celebrated the holiday.

This year I was able to travel home to celebrate Christmas Eve and Day with my family. Unfortunately, Mr. Gooch was unable to join me as he was called into work. (Boo!)

Christmas Eve is when my extended family traditionally gathers at my parent's home and this year we had 26 for dinner. Close to the previous record of 29 for dinner. We needed to have tables in the dining room, kitchen and family room to accommodate everyone.

This gathering is always a bit chaotic, noisy, happy and all around fun. Everyone always heads home full of good food, loaded down with gifts and already looking forward to next year's celebration.

We celebrated with the usual menu for dinner. The fact that it never changes is another tradition. There is something comforting about eating the same meal at 39 that I ate at 9. Especially since so much in our world changes so quickly.

Appetizers included
Shrimp with cocktail sauce
Crab Appetizer with Cream Cheese
Cheese and Crackers
Deviled Eggs
Oreo Truffles made with Cream Cheese

For dinner we had
Honey Baked Ham
Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes
Baked Beans with Bacon
Layered Salad
Home Style Applesauce
Kosher Pickles
Potato Rolls

For dessert we had
Funfetti cookies with cream cheese frosting
vanilla, milk chocolate or dark chocolate ice cream

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