Bender Christmas

Today was the Bender Christmas Get-Together. I know, it's still November and the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are still in the refrigerator, but nevertheless, we celebrated Christmas today. This tradition started years ago when Grandpa and Grandma started going to Florida to spend their winters there.

What?! And miss out on all this good Garrett County/Somerset County weather?

But off they would go, the sooner the better, and our Christmas became the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. Even though Grandpa is no longer celebrating on earth with us and Grandma doesn't always head South, the tradition continues.

I would love to share some pictures from today. I really would, but (you knew that was coming didn't you?) my camera reformatted my little card thingie and I couldn't take any photos to commemorate the day. So instead, I'll try to paint some glimpses with words of today. And a little of yesteryear...

The farmhouse with greenery and lights across the archway dividing the dining room from living room.
Ceiling lights shaking as grandchildren frolicked upstairs.
Trays of peanut butter fudge and cookies to numerous to comprehend from Aunt Marlene.
A roaster with dark and white turkey meat separated.
Bread, butter and grape jelly in a dish.
Aunt Gloria's humongous bowl of tossed salad with homemade dressings.
Playing Shanghai (a card game) with various aunts, uncles and cousins; Uncle Rich especially.
Grandpa reading Luke 2.
Drawing names for gifts and keeping it a big secret until the next year.
Cousin Carson being first in line for food.
Opening presents and going in order of age, youngest to oldest.
A whole day to play with cousins.
Going sled riding in the pasture on some of the grandest hills ever.
Singing Joy To The World.
Candy canes on the Christmas tree.
Grandkids putting together a Christmas themed church service.
The Grownups doing the dishes.
Oyster stew with the little round crackers.
Homemade Root Beer.
Burp.
The family growing in number with new babies, new brides and grooms.
Moving from the farmhouse to the firehall.
Little cousins crying when they have to say goodbye til next time.
Food, family, fun and faith.

The years have gone by. Some things have changed, but some things don't ever change. So much that I enjoyed as a child is being enjoyed now by my own children. It was a good day, a very good day indeed.

I ate too much, laughed just the right amount, and enjoyed the fellowship with family in abundance.
Thanksgiving may be now past, but I am thankful today and my heart is full.

Love,
Dianne