Christmas Past and Present

Before the internet, before Skype, before video games, and before we all grew up and had jobs that took over our lives; my extended family celebrated Christmas together.  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and people we adopted as family would gather at Auntie Nilda's house in Milwaukee.  As in most Filipino celebrations, there was no shortage of food, music, and loud (very loud) laughter.

My mom and aunts, busy working in the kitchen, happily told tales of their childhood to any of us kids who lingered nearby hoping to get a taste of the delicious creations boiling on the stove.  Tinkling the ivories was my dad.  Like the Piano Man, he took requests and tips...  In the form of Christmas cookies, that is!

If we weren't in the kitchen, my cousins and I would be running around my aunt's seemingly gi-normous house, playing hide and seek.  At some point, my older cousins would find some way to torture me or my younger brother, usually by tickling us till we peed in our pants.  To this day, I remind Cousin Fitz of the effects of such punishment!

When it was finally time for our meal, we gathered around a long table, saying a prayer of thanksgiving.  The feast included traditional Filipino dishes like lumpia shanghai (little eggrolls), pancit palabok (noodles), marinated pork chops, and rice, as well as American entrees as well.

After the meal, the family gathered around the piano where my dad was ready to lead the chorus of carols.  Our very own live karaoke!

Today's celebration is a bit different...  My cousins and I are now part of the coordination of the big event.  Sadly, it is more difficult to get everyone together.  But don't be sad...  Christmas isn't the only occasion for us to gather.  Thank goodness!

Well, it's time for the festivities to begin...

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!