Christmas Eve: Decorating the Tree and Oyster Stew

One thing Sara loves about being home for the holidays is decorating the family tree.  Each ornament has a story and there is a process to put them on the tree and tell the story.  Some ornaments have to be put on by their owners and others are free game.  It is a lovely tradition.  As she has rotated Christmases between her parents, it is nice when coming in late in the month (like 12/23) that there is still a tree to decorate.  Her Northern Idaho parents always wait to decorate until she comes home, whether that be for Thanksgiving or on Christmas Eve.  This year was no different..

Ornamenting the tree

Jessie, the star cyclist, strikes her podium pose!  Much to our amusement

Barbie, Jessie, Daddy, and Sara - the tree is done

Final touches

The tree looks awesome next to Barbie's baby grand!

After tree decorating we went to Grandpa's house for traditional oyster stew.
It is nice to have to add leaves to the table to accommodate the whole family!