Like the previous year, our family broke tradition once again by not having the Murphy family Christmas gathering on Christmas Day itself. This one was much more palatable than last year as it took place only one day after the holiday itself – rather than two, and it did not take place in the unseasonably warm weather of the year before. In short, it just actually felt more like Christmas. I think I had the best time here out of any of the Christmas celebrations I attended this year.
I spent the morning of Saturday, December 26, lazing around and watching my new Zoom DVD. Christi picked up Ashleigh and Briana in the morning and took them out shopping so they could spend some of their Christmas money and gift cards.
The Murphy gathering was the standard come-at-4, eat-at-5 event at Diana and Tom’s house in Bellbrook. The girls came back that afternoon, Christi picked up Creed, and we all headed out not long before 4pm. We stopped at Kroger to pick up our offering for the evening, spinach dip and Hawaiian bread. As we left the neighborhood, Ashleigh remembered that she hadn’t brought her white elephant gift of candles. Since I was in the Christmas spirit, I went ahead and grabbed gifts so that both Ash and Briana could participate: a SweetTart gumball machine and a Christmas blanket.
Upon arrival to a very packed house, I immediately began to scour the kitchen for some of the great snacks that were on hand. As always, the food spread was incredible with an array of snacks, shrimp, dips, sweets, cheeses, and sodas. The main course was turkey and ham with plenty of fabulous sides. Darlene had made some delicious and unusual pastry cups filled with mystery ingredients that may or may not have included rice, mushrooms, and olives.
The guest list of over 50 (!) included: Grandpa Murphy, Diana & Tom, Cathy, Lori & Shane with Brandon, Abbey and Elise, Debby & Mike with Little Brad, Dan & Natalie and Tori, Mom & Bob, Me, Ashleigh, Briana, Christi, and Creed, Denise & Aaron and Adam and Megan, Bev & Ed, Susan & Charles with Charley and Sam, Chris & Sarah and Livi, Karen & Joe with Andrew, Abby, and Allie, Jim & Jan with Nikki and Eric, Darlene & Bob, Brittney & Doug, Jacob & Lauren, and Zac. In fact, I think the onlyfamily members who were absent were Ben and Bryan & Erine.
Because it was such a packed house, I didn’t attempt to do any family photos (although all of the Tangemans were there early enough that they did manage to capture a great one). However, I did get some great photos as I ventured around the house of the Murphy family in action.
Great Tange-clan family photo, not taken by me, but before others arrived. Too bad we didn’t get family photos of the others.
Sarah and Livi, Denise and Megan, and the artist known formerly as Briana
Megan waits to see what delicacy Denise would next be feeding her
She seems to have been pleased with the selection
Basement dwellers Natalie and Dan
Abbey, Creed, Adam and Andrew. I believe the children are our future. Even if their future begins with juice boxes and naked Ken dolls.
Lewd Zac, Jacob, Lauren, and Karen and some fine holiday dining
Sisters Darlene, Bev, and Diana stay close to the kitchen yummies
Briana, Christi, and Ashleigh
Brittney creates a makeshift swing for Sammy
Bob hones his pointing skills. Why is it always upside-down?
The silly sibs
The Bob and Tom Show Cocktail Soiree
Karen assists Allie in the opening of the kids gifts
Joe laments that on the day after Christmas, Abby is already bored
Lauren climbs on my lap and tells me what she wants for Christmas next year
Birds-eye view of the White Elephant gift exchange
Bob and Mom debate, Jan is interested, Ed is not
I didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with Chris during his visit from North Carolina, but he did come over the next day to watch The Boondock Saints
Shane and Lori, visiting from Virginia
Adam delights us with his keystroking
My little sister and me, with various Robinsons lingering about
Ed has no qualms about cuddling Livi during her first Christmas
Tom acts as ringleader for the White Elephant madness that ensued. It usually ends with plenty of blood, sweat, and tears.
Denise’s White Elephant selections: Slam! and Millie Boners
Bob and Darlene
Those one girls
Tori in her best monkey pose. Not sure what the handful of chocolate is supposed to be simulating.
Karen and Allie. Seems like this kid is always on her hip.
I had such a good time that I stayed until almost 8:00, and was disappointed when we had to leave. But unfortunately, Stephen was in the hospital with a gall bladder issue that he ended up having removed the next day. Ashleigh of course wanted to get home and go and see him.
I would live out the rest of the year with two reunions - one of which would occur this very night – and then we’d be moving into uncharted territory… a new decade.
Just a bit more from 2009 coming up…
Once again, great job capturing the fun, the love, the comfort of our family Christmas; it was a great one!
Bev
January 4th, 2010
Instead of White Elephant, we call it Yankee Swap.
I played Mille Borne often as a child and I forgot about it’s existence until I saw Denise’s selections.
Peter
January 5th, 2010
We played it also a long time ago. I was in the store and some man commented on it and so it grabbed my attention. I think they must of just brought it back again or something.
Darlene
January 8th, 2010