Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve! Soon my husband and his sister will leave for their annual last minute shopping day. (I suspect they purposely leave a few things unpurchased just so they have the excuse to take off and spend the day together.)  And soon my mother-in-law and I will begin preparing all the food for tomorrow. Several years ago we decided that the traditional Christmas dinner wasn't working for us. We were tired of spending the day cooking while everyone else enjoyed their new presents and sat around relaxing.  So we changed the tradition.  All the foods we have now can be prepared the day before, and the only cooking done on Christmas is done by the men.

Tomorrow after presents we will enjoy a brunch of omelets prepared by Brian and his dad. Then we will snack away the afternoon eating spinach dip & sourdough, cheeseball and crackers, chips, ranch dip and salsa, and a variety of baked goods and candies. For dinner we'll have tri-tip kabobs that have been soaked for at least 24 hours in the most delicious marinade ever, as well as lebanese tabouleh & pita bread, and rice pilaf. Again, the men barbeque so Mom and I only have to make the pilaf.  It's a very yummy and relaxing day....last year I spent the whole day in my pajamas. 

So yesterday, which was filled with baking and last minute gift making, and today that will be filled with wrapping and food prep, are rather hectic, but it's all worth it on Christmas day, when I can just enjoy being with my family and eating good food.

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!