Christmas in The Sisters

“What if we hosted a big Christmas meal here, for our closest family and friends? I know we will already be spending time with them, but when we do Christmas at Granny Bert’s, it’s with the entire family. Between all the aunts and uncles and cousins, there’s like fifty of us. Genny will probably spend a lot of time with the Montgomerys this year, and your friends will be with their families. The deCordovas have invited us to come there on Christmas Eve, but again, that’s a pretty big bunch.” Seeing Bethani’s sharp look, she was quick to assure her, “I haven’t given them an answer yet, not without talking to you two. But I was thinking maybe Christmas evening, after everyone has done their own presents and had time with their own families, we could invite our closest family here, and exchange presents among ourselves. Maybe serve something totally un-Christmasy, like Mexican food or something.”

“As much as I love turkey and dressing, we have it like four times in a row,” Blake agreed.

“I like that idea,” Bethani said. “Like stretching the day out, as long as we can.”

“Yeah, after opening gifts on Christmas morning, the afternoon is usually a bummer,” her brother agreed.

Bethani gave a smart nod. “Then it’s official. We’ll be saving the best until last.”

Madison sat back with a smile on her face. This was new, hearing the twins take charge and make plans for the holidays, but it was nice. Like it or not, her babies were quickly growing up, and it was important that they have a voice in family events. Helping with the planning gave the teens a personal interest and ensured their participation. Madison firmly believed that cultivating family traditions was one of the most important things she could do as a parent.

Roots, she believed, were vital to all living things. Particularly to families.