Merry Christmas everyone! This is my favorite time of year not just for the food, but the other traditions too. First, and probably the best, is that the weather is ALWAYS perfect on Christmas in SoCal. Never rains, snows (lets be real now has it ever?), has clouds or terrible winds. 75° and sunny even in winter. That’s why this is the best place in the country…and I say country because Europe always wins, but that’s another story.
The second best thing about Christmas is my Irish-Italian family that gets together for dinner the eve before. It’s filled with good food and stories that make you laugh til you cry. There are always the essential stories and things that happen at family dinners:
The Misunderstanding: My father was sitting next to my uncle, and asked about a restaurant closing near where he lived. Like telephone, his end of the table hears “Did Top Hat move in to The Sauce?”, a few people down heard, “Is top hat moving the sauce?”, and finally my end of the table heard, “Is tom cat into the sauce?” Needless to say there was a few moments of silent confusion, until my end of the table burst out into laughter.
The Fight Story: My grandfather was in the Navy and upon return to New York City, he was walking through Times Square in his uniform. (something happens) Next thing you know, he is in a fight with these two guys! Cars are honking, police cars are honking, no one is breaking up the fight. Well, my grandfather won. But he was so mad about getting the other guys’ blood on his uniform. What if he needed it again? (his main concern) That was the first time he took out two guys, he said. And then he went home. (That’s how it usually ends)
The Home Improvement Story: My Uncle decided to clean out the garage and sweep with one of those big, flat brooms shaped like a T. So he finishes and goes and does something else. Later that day, my Aunt heads out there to grab something. As she walks towards the light switch, BAM! She is smacked in the face. My uncle had left the broom in the path from the door to the switch and my aunt stepped on it. Apparently it hits you just like in the cartoons.
The Cow Creamer: My mother cherishes a creamer shaped like a cow and the milk comes out of its mouth. Someone always makes a comment when the coffee and dessert comes out. This time my cousin said she should get two for each end of the table instead of using mismatched ones. Her response, “Well, I got this for Mother’s Day so I have to use it.” Not sure exactly what she meant by that, but we know she loves that cow.
Some Advice: When I mentioned I was going to NYC for NYE, my Uncle asked if I knew what the “Pleasant Hour” was and I said I did. You see, one of my relatives who came over from Ireland, Thomas Kerrigan, played the Irish bagpipes at a free and easy in NYC called “Pleasant Hour”. He was pretty famous for it back in the day. My Mother suggested I go see if it’s still there. My Uncle’s advice, don’t go to St. Patrick’s Church and say you are related to Thomas Kerrigan, they will send you a bill.
I always love coming home for the holidays, because there is never a dull moment. Oh and I woke up to this today, true story.
And finally, it wouldn't be Christmas without all the glamourous decorum.
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Dancers, glitter, feathers, and jewels cover
our sparkling and classy 7ft tall tree. |
