Christmas Eve

It's about family. So here we are.

Himself in the back (who just told me he doesn't like "himself" so guess I'll go back to "H") Oskar on the left (he was supposed to be on his mother's lap but didn't want to be in any picture, so we are delighted he decided to appear at all with a smile no less! He was THE most excited little boy!) Niklas (always ready to please Nanna) Our younger son, E, Dad to Niklas and Oskar. Tatum,( who came over early to decorate the table and make nametags and decided the kids got to sit at the grownups table tonight.) Our older son P, Dad to Tatum and Fiona. Our wonderful daughter in law A, mother to N and O. Fiona on her first Christmas and me, Nanna (Karen). We are noticeably missing T and F's mother, K, who is spending Christmas in a rehab center. Sad. (But actually it was hard to be TOO sad with all this hyper kid energy roaring around like wild monkeys- waiting to open some presents after dinner.)

We do celebrate the Swedish way (sort of). There is Swedish farmer's cheese, and my homemade swedish Limpa (rhy) bread, and of course different herrings on the table.
And we eat Swedish meatballs (which i have finally perfected using soy sausage, using my Mom's real recipe) for all of us vegetarians. ( i do buy some IKEA real meatballs for E who is the lone holdout) and potatoes (skipped the traditional anchovies in them this year), beans, beets, and salad. A bit of Aquavit to start and lots of cookies to finish (the kids by then just cannot sit at the table 1 more minute!)

I know this is too long. Who has time to read anything? but it will be a record for me...... I am really enjoying looking at everyone's Christmas blips!

Merry Christmas!