Christmas Day

Christmas Day was wonderful. Much more relaxed (for me) than last year. Such a 360. Last year I had been in Spain less than a week before I was meeting his entire family. I didn't speak any Spanish or Catalan, the food was strange etc but this time around...I understand Catalan, I speak more Spanish, I love the food and I love his family!

We went to the grandparents around 2:30 after a wonderful morning of baking with Maribel. We made sugar cookies and party mix. It was a lot of fun and Ari even helped out, I love when her and I are able to talk. We opened presents before going over for lunch. I got Ari some earplugs since her boyfriend started learning how to play the guitar...

Joan's grandfather loves to record. Actually, he's a techie. He has three different DVD players that all do different things, top of the line digital cameras, camcorders, CD players; the works. Each Christmas he videotapes everything. It is pretty adorable to be honest and fun to watch during the next years dinner. Joan and I are watching our spending so we made something instead this year. We burned the new Josh Groban CD to give to everyone. Joan's techie grandfather (He's 80 by the way) loves Christmas Music and has more American artists than even I've heard of-he doesn't understand a word of it but loves it all the same. We put on the music and his grandmother started crying, she loved it so much. His grandfather said he liked Groban better than the Sinatra CD. That's saying something. It's incredible to me that something as simple as that can change the atmosphere of Christmas.
Even the sugar cookies gave a good reaction. Joan's family had always seen people eating them in movies but had never tried them. They loved them.

For a moment during the dinner, when Ave Maria was playing in the background, I took a moment to just watch everyone. Ariandna and Sergi were laughing and joking together. Joan was enjoying his Christmas soup, Maribel and Tony were laughing about something Montse had said. Joan's grandfather was recording his wife bringing out the next course and it was just such a wonderful sight. I was sad I wasn't with my family for Christmas but these people ARE my family. I have two and they are both so wonderful. I am very lucky.

Tomorrow is round II of the festivities. Maribel's brothers and sisters are coming over-everyone on her side that is and I am preparing the American Meal. Candied Yams, Stuffing, Mashed Potatos with Gravy, Cranberries, Brownies, Chex Mix, Lemon and Thyme Roasted Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Hot Chocolate, Cheesecake and Christmas Punch. I am nervous and excited at the same time. An American Christmas like they have always seen on t.v. LIVE in their home.

It is midnight here and Christmas Day is officially over. Joan and I are in our new robes we got from his Aunt, he is making a "midnight snack" and then we should be tucking in for a goodnights sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be a very fun and long day.

I hope your Christmas was everything you wanted it to be and more.