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The Christmas party of my father’s family has been held on the Sunday before Christmas Eve for more than sixty years.† The first thirty or so instances were held at my grandparents’ home, and the guests included all the decendants of my paternal grandfather’s parents.† Although I recall bits of earlier parties, my first firm recollection of this party is from either 1964 or 1965.† My father and I made the 90 minute trip and attended alone, my mother having stayed home with my four younger siblings to whom I had given a Christmas gift of chickenpox.

After my grandparents sold the home in which they had raised their ten children, the party rotated for a few years among the homes of uncles living in Louisville, Kentucky.† It was at that time that the guest list was pared to include only my grandparents and their descendants.† I will admit to having missed one or two instances of the party when it was held at these temporary venues.

Twenty-plus years ago, my mother took over hosting this family party.† As my sisters and brother married, had children and moved from place to place, a rule developed, solely by operation of practice — celebrate Christmas in your own home and city, or anywhere else for that matter, but be “home” and attend “The Party” the weekend before.† I don’t recall any of us ever having violated that unspoken rule.† Over the years, the number of attendees from outside my immediate family has dwindled as the membership of my sisters’ families has swelled.

The constant feature of The Party (other than perhaps the menu) is a visit from Santa.† As the event is quite close to Christmas Day, the children have come to understand that The Party is neither the time nor place to present Santa with wish lists.† Rather, by tradition each child performs for Santa by singing a song, reciting a poem or telling a story.† For the past 7 or so years, I have taken on the role of Santa.

The Party was special this year as we welcomed a new generation to the family and to The Party.† Just before Thanksgiving, niece number 2 gave birth to a son; and, of course, baby and his parents made the 100 or so mile drive to attend.† Sister number 1, and grandmother to new baby, presented the newest family member to Santa while the family sang “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” in recognition of the reindeer slippers baby was wearing.

As I held that little child, it occurred to me that one or the other of my sisters with children would likely soon take over The Party.† The guest list will likely be pared yet again.† And something very old will be new again.† Life goes on.

Santa and Baby