THE Christmas Party

This past Saturday night was THE big family Christmas party. This is the party that never fails to renew my faith in fun, holidays, singing and family. I mean it's seriously pretty fabulous. 

My husband's mother's family started this party years ago and it just kept growing and growing. If family moves away, they try to come back for this party. In the almost 18 years that I've been a part of this family, I've never missed it. It's a tradition and I love it.

There's a million cousins and all different generations.  There's hellos and hugs and once-a-year how are you doings and smiles.

There's Santa and presents and pictures.

And duh, there's a piñata.

Blurry picture with kids going NUTS for the candy.

Does it surprise anyone that JT is the kid with the pinata on his head? Really?

There's music and carolling and my amazing mother-in-law leading all the kids.



There's so much love.

I made a video about the famous party a few years ago and honestly it was one of the best things I've ever done. Not because my video was so great(my editing is incredibly clunky, ugh). No, it was so great because I got to talk to relatives and in-laws about why this party means so much. I got a front row seat to hear all the stories and the memories and the laughter and the tears and the meaning of all of it. And THEN I got to sift through all the amazing video they took over the years.

It was truly so special. I recommend it to everyone. Ask the stories, document the memories, get the video, get the history....remember it, retell it, cherish it.

Here's a clip (one of my favorite parts) from the video I put together.


(the playback is a little wonky so you can click here to watch the clip)

Here's the full video if you have a few minutes..
Kimball Christmas Party from Jumping With My Fingers Crossed on Vimeo.