Christmas was celebrated in our home surrounded by family. Both of our children and their children come home for Christmas. I am so happy that they still celebrate with us. We do not live in the largest of homes so they are all packed into guest rooms and offices made into guest rooms with Aero beds.
Our daughter and son-in-law arrived Christmas Eve by train from New Hampshire. Our son and his boys came Christmas morning and joined the festivities.
We add all the odd chairs from around our home for seating around the dining table. It's more than a full house. A house that we raised our family.
Games and food and times spent with loved ones will always be my favorite part of gathering to celebrate the holidays! We always host an extended family gathering during Christmas as well. Cousins and second cousins enjoy visiting and seeing one another helps to seal the bonds of family.
"Just because you have four chairs, six plates, and three cups is no reason why you can't invite twelve to dinner." Alice May Brock
I am so thankful for my family and the precious moments we share together.
"Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. We make discoveries about ourselves and them. "
Gail Lumet Buckley
Your family bouquet is wonderful! Loved all the quotes, too. Hope that you enough plates! Your dining room is such a pretty one and I can imagine the gathering there.
ReplyDeleteVee, I must admit to a dish obession. So that is not a problem in our home, but seating 23 people requires setting up tables in the living room as well as the Florida room. ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, it looks like you had more than just your son and daughter and their families! You had quite a crew! And everyone looks like they're having a great time.
ReplyDeleteCathy on Christmas Day we had 10 for dinner. Then we had the extended family(23) for dinner on Sunday afternoon. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I will admit to being a wee bit tired. ♥
DeleteI never let not having enough chairs stop me from inviting 36 to dinner one time! That was a house full too! It looks as if you had many more than a dozen as well. The more the merrier, right? As long as a good time was had by all, that's all that matters, yes?
ReplyDeleteDeb, that is all that matters! We had to rent another table and 8 chairs to set up in the living room. We do this every year and will continue as long as we can. It was a very warm afternoon so it was nice that the children were able to enjoy the outside. xoxo ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen this post is full of beauty, love and family! What a wonderful time it seems you all had. I love your dining room--so festive-- and the quotes are worth copying down. Wishing you a happy new year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dotsie. Happy New Year to you and your family. It's been so nice getting to know you this year! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, your home is so cozy and welcoming for Christmas. In a world with so much white furniture everywhere, it's nice to see the traditional dark furniture that you have. You know, I love it, and I think I always will. I really like your dining room table and the side table too. What a wonderful family picture this is. And I love this quote, as family is so important to me (I will even write that one down). :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Martha Ellen.
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri. Traditional furniture has always been a favorite of mine. I guess I'm old fashioned! We recently moved our china cabinet out of the dining room into the living room. It made more room for family around the table. I have so enjoyed meeting you and your girls this past year! Happy New Year! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, I so so love this post!! Yours may not be "the largest of homes," but you have made it large with your joyful and accommodating spirit of hospitality!
ReplyDeleteI love the quotes you have included. I love seeing the happy faces of your family guests. I love imagining all of your loved ones around the table in various and sundry chairs. Who would want it any other way?
May your New Year be filled with His grace...
Thank you, dear Cheryl. Family is so important to me. It really is one of the greatest joys that life has to offer.
DeleteHappy New Year to you and your family! Yes, His grace...♥
What wonderful Christmas memories with family gathered around you, Martha Ellen! Your dining room is just beautiful ~ so warm and welcoming, too! Everyone looks so happy. I can just feel the joy of 'family' in your words! So many blessings to treasure this Christmas! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Dawn. It seems like Christmas passed so quickly this year! It was wonderful having the family here, but I do admit to being a little tired, but so blessed! Happy New Year to you! xo ♥
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