The Cuneo family is not a typical American family, but we – as do many Americans – celebrate Christmas (Xmas). The family is not a religious one, so we do not go to church or participate in prayer during this time. We look on Xmas as a time when we can have fun and enjoy the company of good friends.

For us (my family), the Christmas season begins with our getting the Xmas tree and then  decorating the Christmas tree.  Martha and I have been using mostly bird ornaments.  However, 10 years or so ago and before that we used a much greater variety of ornaments. 

As we grow older, the trimming of the tree and the ensuing days of shopping, wrapping presents, cooking,  arranging the eating area before the guests arrive and adding foods they bring after they arrive, eating a festive meal,  opening presents, and cleaning up have tended to make us more and more tired.  This time was no exception, BUT - this may have been one of the most fun times we have had in recent Christmases. 

For one thing my very dear friends the Prakash family did not go to India to visit their family at Christmas time - something they usually do.  Tanmay was home from his second year at Duke University.  Prakash himself has been to Xmas dinner here even before his wife and son emigrated from India. And sometimes since then we have been able to get together at Xmas time.  So I was greatly pleased - as were Martha and Jenni - that they could come.  Adding to this is that Jenni and Juhee are very close to the same age - and that they both like each other very much.  Juhee is such a joy to watch growing up.  I still remember having carried both of these children in my arms when they were little, and I have enjoyed watching their development.

So the Prakash family - and the three of us (me, Martha, Jenni), Jenni's mother Pamela and Julianne, her husband, and her two childeren, Daniel and Julia (Lia) were here for dinner and for present opening.  Later, after work at 9PM, Dwayne (Jenni's father) also came - so he got in on the last of the present opening.

At the tail end of the evening, Gary went home and brought over one of their dogs to meet with our dogs.  I was tired than, and did not take any pictures of the dog.