All the stockings are hung by the chimney with care

Several years ago Liz verbalized her realization that many people, like us, don't live near family and had nothing to do on Christmas eve and she decided to host an open house. And friends and neighbors dropped in, bringing Christmas cookies and snacks of various types. Its always been a great occasion to catch up with people and share the love and joy of the season. Since then it has evolved into a great party. Tonight, after dinner at Olive Garden with Lambs and Wilcoxes, Liz and I fixed two 24" pork loins, a baked ham, meatballs, Swedish potato sausage and a few other things and in spite of the inclement weather, which almost caused us to cancel the party, friends started arriving and soon the house was filled with conversation and laughter. Kids were running around and everyone was having a good time. "Faithful friends who are near to us, gather near to us once more." Tonight we had family from Australia and it couldn't have been better. This is one of my favorite nights of the year.