MAKING SEASONS BRIGHT

There's nothing like adding a little kid to the mix -- just old enough to be wowed by everything -- to make the season bright again.

No Hallmark movies for this gang! Instead it's the Dr. Who Christmas Special.

Always A Kid At Heart

Everything's A Phone To Him (His parents swear he didn't learn it from them!)

One of the biggest/best surprises this year was that, instead of me assigning each one a dish to bring, my kids got together and divided  the preparation of everything but one thing, including two fabulous brunches, so all I had to prepare was the beef tenderloin! Well, and provide a few beloved specialties from our local bakeries. 

Austin and Areej whip up all the sides for our Christmas Eve feast, plus some German Glühwein to sip on during after-dinner game-time. Papa John eyes the pastry station.

Is there anything better than kids who love to cook?

Beef Tenderloin and Horseradish Sauce, Brie and Bacon Tart, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and a Torchy's Tacos-Inspired Salad

Then it was time to put Little Goober to bed, play a rousing round of the game Telestrations, followed by our traditional Bad-B-Christmas Movie. This year it was El Camino Christmas. Believe me, we've seen worse. I actually made it all the way through this one!

to be continued...