We have a Christmas Open House every year, on the Sunday before Christmas. We moved into our house in December of 1997, and decided to have a housewarming party as an incentive to get the boxes unpacked and the house put together.
We invited everyone we knew, I made a giant pot of posole, and asked folks to bring finger food to share. We had a wonderful time!
The next year, our friends asked if we were going to have our Christmas party again, so it became a tradition. It is the biggest social event of our year, and a wonderful opportunity to see our Juneau friends and acquaintances.
Every year it seems to get bigger - but it IS an open house, so from 3 - 8 p.m., we have a house full of friends, great food and lots of fun.
To be honest, the part that I dread is cleaning the house before the party. In years past, it always seemed as if someone in the family would say: "I HATE getting ready for this party! You get so crabby!"
With that in mind, I try to enjoy the preparation for the party, especially decorating the house for Christmas.
This year, with one kid away at college, and the other working, it was up to me and Charles to prepare. I set my standards a little lower, figuring that there won't be any white-gloved inspectors coming.
I always fret about the condition of the house - the peeling paint on the exterior, the worn floors inside that desperately need refinishing...etc.
But, I remind myself that our friends are coming to see US, not my housekeeping skills or Charles' handyman efforts.
This year, we are putting our tree up on Saturday the 17th and putting the lights, but not the decorations on the tree, because decorating the tree together is a family tradition and Miguel doesn't get home from school until the morning of the 18th.
But, the other decorations are done, so I thought I would share some photos that I took today!
I love my snowman display!
Phoebe on Santa's lap as a two year old, and Miguel, a five year old angel...
a be-jingled front door...
and finally, Beans and Frida sitting on the couch with the Christmas throw...
It is going to be a wonderful party on Sunday! I can't wait!
I see that Beans and Frida are ready to lend a paw to help! Your party sounds like one, I'm sure, many are looking forward to. - I have found that when you have a big crowd no one can see anything but each other so no worry about some dust! Have fun! xo
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Paula! I love a house full of friends. And Cecilia says "So cute doggies!"
ReplyDeleteDwija - give Cecilia a hug from me! The are so cute, indeed!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks very festive; I love the lights and snowflakes on the bannister.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so wonderful......
ReplyDeleteLove your decorations... and your two pups are the icing on the cake.. er throw... lol!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the cleaning prep. I know I'm not the nicest at that time either. I hope you have a wonderful party! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh Paula: We have started this tradition, too. We have a big open house party for friends on Dec. 23. Thisyear there were 12 SMALL CHILDREN in our tiny family room. So loud, but in a good way. Merry Christmas and yes we too have peeling paint and worn out floors and I too figured that is not why folks are showing up.
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