Beth (black dress at left) played clarinet in her school's holiday concert 

We visited Longwood Gardens, which was holding its annual Christmas display

Beth, my mother, Ally, my aunt Waltraud, and Joni at Longwood Gardens; the girls under the lighted trees

Ally had a squeaking part in her school's play, The Mice Before Christmas

Ally played Mary in our church's annual Nativity pageant 

What Christmas time isn't complete without a visit with Santa? Or helping Mom make cookies? 

Traditionally, my side of the family has a big dinner on Christmas Eve and opens presents afterwards
My mom and her husband, Nick; Beth and Ally opening loot; Ally's "Xmas tree hat" made w/ bows and ribbons

Posing with Beatrix, one of my folks' dogs; the girls heading out to midnight Mass 

On Christmas morning, we open presents from each other (and Santa, of course)
Joni pondering whom she likes better: Jack Sparrow or Will Turner?
Me with a shirt inspired by my favorite character from Lost; Ally and her loot 

Beth and her well-gotten gains; Joni got this shirt from her mom (so, too, did all her sibilings) 

On Christmas afternoon, we had my folks and Joni's family over to the house
Brother-in-law George learns what to say to his wife, Alex; my nephew Matthew gets a Warhammer 40K game 
Matt's sisters Natasha and Maggie 

My sister-in-law Liz, Natasha (in a dress from her Aunt Alex), and Beth; Liz's daughter Molly

As you might imagine, the party was a bit crowded, but it was good fun