Christmas 2008

This tail end of 2008 has been historic, mind boggling. There is a feeling of new hope in the air. Our usual trip to New Jersey was easy for a change, and we had the company of Christine. It's the first Christmas she has come East in a very long time. We had our traditional invite to Vincent's and Liz's on Christmas Eve. After the snow and ice storm, it was great to have rain. But such a deluge we didn't need. Thank God Chris was driving! We got lost, of course, which is
what has happened every other Christmas Eve. Long Valley where Liz and Vin live is somehow
like the end of the world for us, hills, rain, no street lights or any other kinds of lights. But when we finally arrived, we were greeted by four handsome, tie and shirt togged little boys. They are Vin and Liz's grandsons, all under the age of eight. Michael and Sara were there from Seattle, Washington, and Sal and Jill from Watchung, NJ. The hot and cold snacks were out and the cocktails available. Sal makes the best vodka martini I have ever had. So I had mine. ( The only one for the night) but I felt the entire trauma of the long ride disappear like magic. (Remember we had left at 11 am from Sag Harbor, and it was now 5:30 pm after 190 miles on the road.) Most of this group were Obama enthusiasts, except for Sal, and the talk was all about the election, and how proud we were of his choices for future positions in the cabinet, staff, etc.
What a burden this young man has! We all are counting on him and he is facing some tough times. The Ferranti's arrived and the talk continued.Barbara, Liz's sister, and her family arrived with their new granddaughter ( 3 months old). Toni played some Christmas music.
Then, the lobster dinner was served. After dinner, the children and all opened their gifts.
Why am I reporting this night with a blow by blow description? Because I have a feeling we may not remember how joyous it was, and I have a premonition it will not happen again.
Our Christmas day was different than others we spent at Toni's. None of Marc's family were there. Every other Christmas all or most of the Ferranti's came and shared our Christmas dinner. But Marc's father died this summer, and his mother did not feel well enough to share our day. We had a lovely time, neverthless. We all went to Mass together. Nico and Michael spent all afternoon working on a special gift Nico gave Michael. A huge tower that becomes a roller coaster and has an elevator. There seemed to be thousands of parts, but they worked diligently. We had a delicious dinner, a fire after dinner and games. A neighbor dropped in at dessert time. It was a perfect day. The peace of Christmas was ours. all day. So another Christmas has gone by, and things have changed. Tony and I are blessed to have shared this day with at least part of our family.