Christmas Eve 2009 This year I had Christmas Eve dinner at my house. My theme was “Gold”. The 3 Kings brought Gold Incense and Mire- Gold being the most precious. I got new Christmas plates this year. I’ve had my old ones of 50 years, so-- thought it was time for some new. On the rim of each plate in white and gold brush strokes it says, “Merry Christmas” and “Deck the Halls.” Just loved them! We ate on my patio in the summer kitchen. The night was perfect. Valerie Parr Hill was there in spirit with us. Her silver sparkly stars were hanging from the awning. And, all around my pool I put her glass jar candles that were fake candles. Best purchase I ever made. Real candles always blow out and you constantly have to relight them. These just flickered away all evening. Look at the picture of the cute couple -behind them, Valerie’s candles. And, keeping with one of our traditions, we had “Holiday Quackers” & inside was a crown for each of us as you can see on my son Tim. We played lots of games and had prizes under the “Gold” Christmas tree. We always sing the “12 days of Christmas”. We pull verses and when it’s your turn, you have to sing it by yourself. We were the Worst ever this year and we had the Bestest time ever! We decided we needed to have a Christmas in July party just to practice. Karin’s brother Scott always played the piano for us. It helped, but since he passed away, we have been floundering. Someone in our group needs to learn how to play the piano by next Christmas. My hope for you is that you had as much Joy as our family did. 2010 is going to be a Golden Year! Think Happy! Jeanne