Successful Holiday Party

The house is quiet now. The candles have all been blown out, the dishes put in the dishwasher, the leftover food stored away to be eaten for the next couple of days.

We laughed about life. We told tales of our grandchildren. We listened and consoled about those we care about who aren't doing well. Then we laughed some more.

We ate. The variety of food was interesting. Seven women told to bring something; we would share a meal. Nothing more said. The menu ended up being pinwheel sandwiches, veggie pizza, a veggie tray, chips and dip, and an unusual dish made with artichoke, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. (I wasn't sure about that last dish. I sampled it, and I'm still not sure.) We did have some homemade divinity and my brownie torte as sweets. Iced tea and water.

We exchanged gifts. In this exchange we passed the gifts to the left and back to the right as a story was read. Each time the word right or left is said you had to hand the package off. The fun part was that the gifts had to be something you had at your house that you either no longer used (but it was still in excellent condition) or something you were giving as a re-gift. NO buying was allowed, and the present had to be wrapped in newspaper --- no pretty packages. Of course all the gifts were great things. I ended up with a candle.

Then we had a review of the book we are working our way through --- this was a working party and I must say I think we actually got more done tonight than we usually do. The fellowship we share before seemed to help us focus when it was time to actually discuss how we can involve women in the church who aren't now active.

I was nice to have this small group of friends here to share some holiday fun in my home. I love hosting. I was well worth the wee bit of stress I put myself through getting ready.