(Extended) Family Christmas

This past Friday night, we had the annual Cobbs'family Christmas party at our home. It was such a wonderful experience that I wanted to post some of my memories.
Around 4:00, uncles,aunts, cousins, cousins' children, future cousins-in-law, and my mom and brother began trickling in, bearing food, photos, some gifts, and the big beautiful smiles and warm hugs I have known all my life. Quiet at first, the sound of the gathering soon grew to a dull roar, signalling the time for prayer and the long-awaited feast. Warm conversations were paired with this time of dining. Laughter broke out here and there, tears here and there, smiles everywhere.
After everyone had eaten to their heart's content, my uncles rounded up songbooks and singers and we gathered in the den for hymns, carols, and our special version of The Twelve Days of Christmas and Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. Different responses follow different songs: peals of laughter (for humorous performances), tears (for those missing), and tears of emotion (over the beautiful harmonies and words).
During all of this, there is the wonderful scuttering of children underfoot; streaking by, laughing, scattering toys, looking for their playmates,occasionally disagreeing and just generally adding the crowning touch to a Norman Rockwell evening.
Drinks for the hoarse follow the singing, a small group breaks out the guitar and harmonica, and people began to gather their things for the trek home. One by one, these earthly angels head to their homes, leaving our home blessed by their presence.
We feel truly graced to have such a gathering to look forward to each year and are thankful for the effort our family makes to get together. These are the memories I have treasured for as long as I can remember...