Our Southern Christmas

We decided we weren't up for traveling this Christmas with two little ones (sorry, Grandparents!). Some friends in town here were kind enough to invite us to join their family gathering. I was excited to experience my first authentically Southern Christmas!

I had so many questions leading up to the event. First, the hostess asked me if I could bring carrots. My initial thought was to bring cut up carrot and celery sticks because that's what my Oregonian grandmother always serves on holidays - in a fancy crystal dish. But then I was like, hmm, wait, Grandma is from Canada...maybe not all families eat raw veggies... So I double checked with the hostess who confirmed that I should bring cooked carrots. Glad I asked! I googled "Southern cooked carrots" and found out that as long as they were swimming in butter and brown sugar, the dish would probably pass muster.

Then on Christmas Eve as I was going to bed, I suddenly realized I didn't know what Southerners wear on Christmas. Would the kids be shunned if they showed up in their matching penguin/winter onesies instead of something smocked? Should DF wear a coat and tie? I texted the hostess who kindly informed me that any attire would be just fine; it was not a formal affair. Whew!

We made our short 20 minute drive to dinner on Sunday afternoon (sooooo much easier than flying all day!) and were greeted by our friends, their kids, and about 15 more of their relatives who had gathered for the day. The people were half from Memphis and half from Indiana, so I guess maybe it wasn't a 100% Southern Christmas but I'll take it.

Everyone was so friendly and welcoming! The boys were the youngest kids there. Once they warmed up to the big crowd, they had a great time. In this house, they don't barricade their Christmas tree behind a playpen, so the boys were very excited to touch all the ornaments and lights. I only caught Gus eating one decorative berry... They got to sit in booster chairs at the kids table to eat dinner, and they were totally entertained by all the bigger kids. After dinner, they bounced on a trampoline, played with a musical dancing dog, and even received some toys as gifts. Wow, what a treat!

As for the parents, we also had a lovely time visiting with everyone and enjoying the delicious spread. Oh, Southern food, you are the best :)





All in all, it was a very Merry Christmas indeed.