Christmas in Defiance

Last week was the first time it was just the three of us: Mom, Dad and me. Paul, of course, was in Columbus, and my sister Katie obviously moved out when she married earlier this year.

I enjoyed spending time with my family, but I had to laugh at some of the differences in our lifestyles. The most obvious change? The meals.

Paul and I eat supper extremely late-- usually between 9 and 10 p.m. In Defiance, we rarely ate a meal after 5 p.m. But I didn't complain (too loudly, anyway).

I was able to see Katie and her husband Jay a few times, and both sets of grandparents came to our house for Christmas lunch. We spent the remainder of the day at the home of my maternal grandparents. I think this was the first time absolutely everyone -- all of my aunts, uncles, cousins and second-cousins -- were there. Yep, all 34 of us. I hope I counted correctly.

Paul drove to Defiance in time to make it for the annual games of bingo we play before supper. Everyone brings $1 gifts. Some are good; a few are even funny. Among our loot: chocolate covered cherries (good) and "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (funny, since we won't be needing that anytime soon!).