Lori and Demetrius’ Christmas gift to each other – and a few friends
Tomorrow will be Demetrius’ and my third annual Holiday Open House for our friends to gather, feast and be merry. My brother died in May 2008 and our small family was at a bit of a loss of what to do that Christmas, as we had celebrated the past two Christmases in his home. Deme and I decided to start OUR new tradition and open our home to friends.
We invite friends who can’t travel to be with their family, couples who don’t want to bother cooking for two – anyone who needs a place to go to feel all the love and cheer that the holidays bring. We buy extra Tupperware ahead of time to send food home for those with family members who can’t get out.
My husband is cooking a two turkeys, a turkey breast and bought a honey spiral ham. I’m making dressing, green beans and butternut squash. Mom is bringing cherry dump cake, brownies, sweet potatoes and salad. Judy is bringing pecan pie and Nancy is bringing collard greens. No telling how much food we’ll wind up with – some bring food and some don’t. There is always plenty.
We have a case of white and red wine, eggnog and Deme found some cute Coke bottles shaped like Christmas ornaments. We have toys for the kids that may show up and a little rum to spike the eggnog. No need to ask if you can bring a friend – everyone is welcome at the Cain-Bereolos casa.
It’s our Christmas gift to each other, because nothing makes Christmas more special than doing something nice for someone who just needs to be surrounded by good friends, laughter and cheer on what can sometimes be a dismal day if spent alone.
So, we will cook today and go to midnight Liturgy, then begin cooking again in the morning. We are especially blessed THIS Christmas and are wishing you blessings this holiday and throughout the new year.
