Christmas in excess

Disclaimer:  I was working on this blog in Maui when the false missile alert occurred.  That seemed more timely, so I put this one on hold.  This posting is a bit unseasonably late.
Portland's outdoor Christmas Tree
 I enjoy the holidays and have learned to embrace the 'less is more' philosophy of last year*—until this year.  Being raised Catholic, our Thai student had plenty of Christmas seasons, but no country does over the top celebrating like the US, especially the commercial, excessive, and secular parts.  We decided to share the whole experience.

The Jingle Bell Walk
Special events are part of this season.  Even I participated in both, one traditional and one new.  Every year, Earl organizes a Jingle Bell walk.  They walk from downtown hotel to hotel looking at (and judging) the holiday decorations. This year since the weather was good, Skeeter, me, and the granddaughters joined in.  We were concerned that the size of our group would discourage hotel staff from allowing us in–but they welcomed our large group in and showed off their Christmas decorations with pride.  It was fun and we finished at the downtown bakery for coffee, chocolate, and treats.

Christmas Lights from car
Viewing Christmas light displays sounds great, but it's often cold and wet in Portland in December.  Kids often don't enjoy that, no matter what adults may think.  This year we viewed the lights at the Portland International Raceway from the warmth of our car.  Uncharacteristically, there was no traffic, no rain, no ice on the roads, and no tears.

Every year, we come up with a non-traditional menu but I was running out of new ideas.  We had done Italian, Asian, Greek, Middle Eastern and were beginning to recycle through the international cuisines. I had two requirements for a fun Christmas dinner—good food and a rowdy house.  The solution came from both family and friends.  Our daughter Heidi and her husband Michael suggested New Orleans Creole/Southern food and we happen to have friends who were lifelong New Orleanians.  So launched the Mardi Gras Christmas—over the top, colorful, and fun.
Mardis Gras Invitation

Pam, the head décor elf, enlisted the help of a granddaughter**.  We were the perfect team—one general, one soldier, and me. It was even more perfect once I left to take my nap and got out of the way.

I always fessed up to being a big tree dictator.***  But even our Thai student was surprised at how big the tree was and how fast we bought it.  Niece Jill, the tree elf**, dutifully put over 2300 lights on (what, too much?).  Even Earl got into the 'elf' mode and created his own themed tree topper.  A star?–no, an angel?–no.  It's a Mardi Gras themed top hat with birds!
Our over the top tree


Christmas Eve
Our daughter in law and son hosted a Christmas eve pajama party.  Having no themed pajamas, Earl and I had to order some in order to fit in.  The grandaughters provided entertainment and Porter provided extra 'sloppy dog' hugs.

Christmas dinner was quite the happening.  With 22 people in the house and three tables, it was loud and fun. There was no sign of a holiday minimalist*.  In spite of the icy, inclement weather that cancelled many Christmas celebrations, only one guest couldn't make it. Good thing or we would have had a lot of New Orleans Creole/Southern food left over. 
Christmas Dinner

The lesson:  It was certainly an excessive Christmas celebration and fun as well.

*Previous post: Minimizing the Holidays
**Previous post: The Holiday Elves
***Previous post: The Holiday Dictator





Comments

  1. Technically, I hosted Christmas Eve. I also did decoration, menu and entertainment.

    ReplyDelete

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