For over 20 years we have been having a nice little party. Started the first year we were married, and none of our friends were. All of us right out of school and no money to go out to the big scene. We used our silver wedding dishes and leftover napkins from the reception. Had a really fun time. Then in our first house we would have the babies asleep, and people could bring their kids and playpens. Low key fun with friends. Onto the house we raised our kids in. Everyone could bring their kids to the party, so no one had to pay for a babysitter. Somehow the kids all played together famously, and managed to stay up past midnight and be a delight. Everyone brought an appetizer to share, so it was a casual party and not much work since the house was already deep cleaned from the holidays. This is the first year in our new (empty nest) house. Our kids are in college, and they are still coming to the party, except now they are all old enough to take part fully. When we told our friends we were moving, usually the first thing they wanted to know was if we still planned to have our new years eve party. It has become a really nice tradition. I think that us and all of our friends like to get together, not spend any money, and not shout over a loud bar scene. It is really a nice time. Just wanted to put this out there in case anyone else might want to start a nice little tradition like this too.

Christmas Eve was (and still is) magical to me. As a child we would go to my grandmother's and have a buffet of baked ham, deviled eggs, potato salad, home made baked beans and her famous chocolate cake. Then we got to open the gifts from my grandparents, aunt & uncle (they were teens when we were kids). My grandmother's house was filled with family heirlooms and was so warm and cozy when lit up for Christmas. She had a fireplace in both the kitchen and living room and they both were blazing. It seemed liked it always snowed on Christmas Eve in those days, and I can remember carolers coming to the door. Not to be a downer, but my Dad was an alcoholic and my parents fought a lot in the weeks before Christmas because of all the "festivities". I never knew if we were going to have a Christmas at all. Then, somehow, they always made up on Christmas Eve. I attributed it to the magic of my Grandmother's house. Grandma is now gone, but I have taken over the Christmas Eve tradition. I follow her exact menu (with a few additions). We go to a candlelit service at 5:30, and then all my siblings come over with their kids. We tortue the kids by eating first, and then they each get to open a gift (we do a gift exchange). My parents and even my 102 year old grandfather attend and get the biggest kick out of watching the kids. It is a lot of work, but worth every minute spent preparing.

Elba, thank you. We have decided to add the Creamed Red Cabbage to our Thanksgiving dinner. Also, when I advised my family of what was on the menu, I was told that I had to make my green bean casserole. This is not the one with the canned soup. I will post it here in case any are interested. It really is very, very good. My Fabulous Green Bean Casserole This is the only one my family loves to eat. I have to make it every Thanksgiving. AS 3 cans Blue Lake cut green beans, drained (I use whole green beans) 1 10-oz jar sliced mushrooms, drained 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup flour 1 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 pound shredded cheddar cheese (I use 3 large handfuls) 1 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon MSG, optional (I use Accent) 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (I use about 4-5 shakes out of the bottle) 1 8-oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped (I use 4-oz) Put drained beans in a baking dish. Place chopped water chestnuts on top of beans. Sauté mushrooms and onion in 1/2 cup butter. Add flour and mix thoroughly. Add black pepper and MSG. Measure milk and cream into 2 cup measuring cup; add soy sauce, MSG, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce to milk; stir. Pour milk into flour mixture and stir thoroughly. Add cheese and stir to distribute. Pour over green beans in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. You can actually cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time or vice versa; just watch and do not let get real brown. You can also top with a mixture of bread or cracker crumbs and butter before baking. I just don't particularly care for it that way, because the gold from the cheese is so pretty. This is one of those dishes you can also prepare the day before, then just stick in oven before serving. I think it is actually better the second day.

Eam, beachem, cpartist, and all who gave recipes for purée ing turkey, thank you! I didn't see them till now, but I know the caregiver made purée with the leftovers. Mom's sister popped in on the way to her son's, just as we eer sitting down, so she helped Mom while DH and I oversaw things (and ate!). The carrots, Cook's Magazines boiled carrot recipe (I know, I know, who needs a recipe for boiled carrots? I do.) came out soft enough that she could manage them just fine, yet just firm enough for everyone else. I passed on the sweet potatoes, it was one too many things. I used Mom's wedding china, her gorgeous silver, and the damask napkins. She didn't recognize any of it, but it color-matched the family room where we ate better than their dining room :) Dad was in tears at the table, it was his first time home since August. The house is his baby, he designed it with an architect, his own company built it, on family land. Probably our last Thanksgiving in that house. Time for new traditions.