A couple of days ago, some friends of mine held a Classy Christmas party! It was wonderful, of course. The men wore neckties, sports jackets and sweater vests; the women wore cocktail dresses and heels. We danced, we sang, we played a cool party game where you rip paper into a Christmas tree behind your back (no peeking!)
I won.
I think of all the traditions, Christmas Parties may be my favorite. There seems to be an extra air of camaraderie among the group, what with it being that time of year where we remember the importance of Love and Friendship. Everyone makes an extra effort to look their best -- and indeed, who does not look their best in wintry clothing? And, of course, there is the food. Nothing says Christmas like a batch of freshly-baked cookies (my contribution to the evening's festivities, by the way).
Of course, I am always reminded of the spread at the Shipmans' house. We went every Christmas, for their annual to-do was the highlight of the year. Bob and Dolores lived in the same house forever. They had their kids in that house, they welcomed their grandchildren in that house, and I believe they also got to see some great-grandchildren in that house. Peggy lived with them, and a bear would be added to her collection every year (teddy, not grizzly). And do correct me if I am wrong, but did they not serve folded ham with a dish of mustard? It was delicious!
They eventually moved out of their Ft. Lauderdale home, an event that shook the world. No, truly. My father called it the death of Old Florida, the Florida you read about in the novels of John D. MacDonald, the Florida that inspired the Golden Girls to sing, "Miami, Miami/You've got style". They moved to central Florida, and Bob died when I was high school. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Dolores joined him. And so ended an era. Oh sure, it had been years since we had done a to-do at their place, but this was the official end.
The latest tradition, for me anyway, is Roxanna's. It's a very intime affair, held every Christmas Eve. Just a few friends getting together and celebrating the most important holiday on the calendar. Funnily enough, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one without a drop of Jewish blood that attends the party. Because, as I've said before, Christmas ain't just for Christians, baby. Oh, and there's Lea's party, which I do not attend as often as I should, but which is always a worthy celebration.
Basically, Christmas parties rock. The holiday's all about Love. What better way to celebrate that than by ringing it in with your best mates and family? Hey, as long as the food's good, right? Well, that and mistletoe. OK, all that, plus if you get a really good dance going:
Frosted window panes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted cany canes on the the tree
Santa's on his way,
He's filled his slay
With things, things for you and for me
It's the time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear
Seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your new year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
Merry Christmas
May your new year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
Merry Christmas to you
No comments:
Post a Comment