Thankful The Holidays Only Come Once A Year

Yesterday, we hosted the in-laws and out-laws for the traditional Christmas get together. 

For reasons known only to her, my wife volunteered for the twenty-seven members of her family to gather in our modest, humble abode.

On top of that, it rained. So there were fourteen hoodlums who were not able to go outside and play. Fortunately, when all was said and done, we did not have to call the insurance company.

We had the traditional offering of ham, casseroles, breads, cakes, and cookies. I managed to fill up on salad. After that, I ate mostly popcorn. 

I could not afford to be full, not with a twenty-one month old son running around with all of his cousins, many whom cared less if he were to be stampeded.

After everyone had eaten and had settled down to conversation, several family members began to nod off. This led to the request for coffee, which my wife and I don't drink. 

So off I went to the storage closet, to try and find the coffee maker. When I returned, I did so to a round of applause.

Eventually everyone decided they were tired of looking at each other. Thus the process began of gathering leftovers, corralling children and departing hugs and kisses. 

Left behind were my wife and I, with the task of cleaning up and making our house a home once again.

I'm thankful for many things. Most of all, I'm thankful the holidays only come once a year. 

Truly, the best holiday lights are the tail lights of family members leaving.