[2BNTV]

The magical part for me was being at my Aunt Virginia's and Uncle Joe's house, where all the family gathered. I would count 60 to 70 people were over her house for coffee and cake in the evening, (20 to 25 for dinner). It was tight but no one cared, as everyone was having a great time. My uncle Joe who was a quite type guy, really enjoyed seeing everone together moreso than my aunt, who was a very cogenial hostess and very outgoing. They made a great couple, who was admired by the whole family.

We had a Santa every year, and my cousin would pick the person, who the kids didn't see very much, as they were always trying to figure out who was playing Santa Claus. One year they came up with the brilliant idea ,to check all the men's shoes, and tried to identify Santa that way. Of course, we all denied being Santa. I was never Santa, as I was usually at their house, a lot.

Another memory is my cousin Ginny bought gag gifts for everyone, (adults and children. My Uncle Bluejay had gotten cancer one year, and had lost all bus hair due to chemo. He sat in Santa's lap and received a............
wait for it..........





















hair brush!

We all joined him in laughing as everyone thought it was hysterical.

I miss those great times, and those seven course dinners. Those were the days.