For most of my first 24 years the relationship with my mom and her family was a bit rough to navigate, but Christmas Eve was always spent with my mom and her family. It was and has been important to me to keep that going since my mom passed back in 2004.

 

With that said, we were with my grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and their little ones tonight. I'm not as close to that side of my family as I'd like since my mom passed, but I do look forward to Christmas Eve with them to catch up and continue a family bond that was hard to understand as a kid.

 

Traditions change, and often times family changes with marriage and kids. It's still important to find time for those that have drifted their own way when the opportunity presents itself. Headed to bed with a Christmas kiss for my mom. I know she was looking down with a big smile as we all enjoyed some holiday spirit...

True story my wife loves that movie.

 

And that movie loves her.

Always enjoy a good meal, a couple movies, and me procrastinating on gift wrapping after the family falls asleep. I watch midnight mass at St. Peters and reflect on this years blessings.

 

Sirloin/T-bone steaks and asparagus on the menu and watched Christmas Vacation and of course the Christmas Story tonight. We also bake either cupcakes or a cake for tomorrow afternoon. After opening gifts this morning we'll light candles and sing happy birthday to Jesus. We then make a pledge to him, gifting him something we each will work on in the upcoming year. He always wants our best. My family holds ourselves to task to do so on something we know we need to improve upon.

 

Mine this year will be "tone of voice," :lol2: when addressing issues that may arise in 2015. Looking forward to being more Christ honoring, taking a deep breadth, and improving my tone. I can be a sarcastic son-of-a-gun at times...

 

Merry Christmas and blessings of the Christ child upon all of you in 2015! :thumb:

We did all the wife's side of the family stuff yesterday afternoon and evening. Then took the wifes grandma to midnight mass. Today we do Christmas at my dad's... drinking playing cards, shooting pool,etc.

Started the day around 1 where we met some friends for cocktails. Lawnboy's brother, lovely wife and 3 kids were there. He is still mad I didn't leave him any toys. Went to 3:00 mass in the basement of St. Louis. Came home and hosted my brother and twins, exchanged gifts and grazed on the traditional snacks of pepperoni, cheese shrimp and crab meat. Around 7 all hell was released as it was our turn to host her side for dinner. 30 plus of so for turkey, roast beef and all the fixins. The holiday cheer ended around 3:00 AM. Mrs. TAC mentions to her brother and family that it would be a good idea for them to stop by for mimosas after they went to 9:00 mass this morning. They saw the smoke from the fireplace so I got the knock on the door at 10:00. Mimosas it was! The Tacsters slept until noon. When they awoke, I got the camera rolling and opened our gifts. Afterwards Mrs. TAC did the annual huge breakfast. Nap time followed. She is getting ready now so we can go to her sisters open house which also lasts until the wee hours of the morning!

Cheers and happy holidays.

Started the day around 1 where we met some friends for cocktails. Lawnboy's brother, lovely wife and 3 kids were there. He is still mad I didn't leave him any toys. Went to 3:00 mass in the basement of St. Louis. Came home and hosted my brother and twins, exchanged gifts and grazed on the traditional snacks of pepperoni, cheese shrimp and crab meat. Around 7 all hell was released as it was our turn to host her side for dinner. 30 plus of so for turkey, roast beef and all the fixins. The holiday cheer ended around 3:00 AM. Mrs. TAC mentions to her brother and family that it would be a good idea for them to stop by for mimosas after they went to 9:00 mass this morning. They saw the smoke from the fireplace so I got the knock on the door at 10:00. Mimosas it was! The Tacsters slept until noon. When they awoke, I got the camera rolling and opened our gifts. Afterwards Mrs. TAC did the annual huge breakfast. Nap time followed. She is getting ready now so we can go to her sisters open house which also lasts until the wee hours of the morning!

Cheers and happy holidays.

 

New Pope?

Tuesday night was pizza, wings, and gifts here at the haven, with my sister, her girls, and Mrs. S's brother and his family.

 

Yesterday and today was with my son and his family and in-laws over in Apopka.

 

Saturday is with my daughter's family in Largo.

 

Christmas Day alternates between my daughter and my son, each year. The remainder of the holiday is scheduled around that.

Drinking.

Church. Several relatives come over after the service for potato soup, pigs in a blanket, etc. when everyone leaves we check Santa's location on NORAD and get the kids to bed. Then the "some assembly required" begins. Ralphie marathon on the tv while I put things together and my wife wraps presents.

Usually in bed by 3. First kid almost always wakes up between 6:30 and 7.

 

Fun times.

Started the day around 1 where we met some friends for cocktails. Lawnboy's brother, lovely wife and 3 kids were there. He is still mad I didn't leave him any toys. Went to 3:00 mass in the basement of St. Louis. Came home and hosted my brother and twins, exchanged gifts and grazed on the traditional snacks of pepperoni, cheese shrimp and crab meat. Around 7 all hell was released as it was our turn to host her side for dinner. 30 plus of so for turkey, roast beef and all the fixins. The holiday cheer ended around 3:00 AM. Mrs. TAC mentions to her brother and family that it would be a good idea for them to stop by for mimosas after they went to 9:00 mass this morning. They saw the smoke from the fireplace so I got the knock on the door at 10:00. Mimosas it was! The Tacsters slept until noon. When they awoke, I got the camera rolling and opened our gifts. Afterwards Mrs. TAC did the annual huge breakfast. Nap time followed. She is getting ready now so we can go to her sisters open house which also lasts until the wee hours of the morning!

Cheers and happy holidays.

 

His kids have plenty of toys!

New Pope?

We actually joked about that!