with Mr. Dawbs' grandfather's passing, the holidays are kinda sombre so far this year.
Normally, a week or 2 before Christmas, once a few of the relatives are in town (siblings and grandparents who travel here) we host a small holiday gathering. This is always a bit of a challenge because we have a small house. (we can't have formal dinner because our kitchen table seats 4...we don't have a dining room, etc). It always works, but it's a challenge.
Well, I Mr. Dawbs really wants to have the party...trying to keep things rather normal. This was going to prove especially challenging because of some family issues(right now a lot of people are trying to manipulate, and we're ignoring passive-aggressive attempts...fairly effectively so far, but it does take its toll)
So all were invited, my family, the inlaws, the outoftownfolks, etc. It was, all told about 12 people--about 5 more than normally come.
We started doing things, and unexpectedly a few important guests need to leave town, so we changed the date and time...now everyone is coming over tomorrow afternoon/evening...it's the only time it works for most of our guests.
I kinda wasn't prepared for that. SO I've been busy today.
The house is moderately clean, I bought pre-made appetizers from big-box-warehouse-membership style stores (no need for a kitchen table, and I have tv trays...), I made snack desserts (potato candy and chocolate dipped pretzels and puppy chow--normally I have Christmas cookies by now, but I kinda spent the weekend I was supposed to be doing that at a funeral...), I wrapped the presents (so people can't accidentally see them), I borrowed chairs, I have wine in the fridge (for those who aren't alcoholics or tee-totalers...)I got as much of the cat hair as possible off the chairs, I threw out the dead plants, I got out board games and card games...
*deep breaths*
It'll be fine right? and I won't kill "Aunt Janice". probably.
