HoHo!  It is already time to ready our homes and hearths where our families and friends will soon gather in celebration of Christmas or of the holiday season.  We must slow down a bit to reflect on the joys of Christmases past and on the loved ones with whom we hope to celebrate next week - yes, next week!

 I have found that some family traditions are well worth keeping.  Every Christmas Eve, my parents hosted an open house for all of their friends and their families.  Dad set up games and a train in the family room for the kids.  The "Growns" had a delicious spicy milk-punch and other libations to choose from, while we youngsters sussed each other out, and became shyly reaquainted. There was food and fun and lots of friendship shared.

 My Christmas Eves here in Wimberley are a conscious continuation those traditions - faith, loving family, and friends at the center of it all.  Setting up my collection of nativities is first on my home agenda - a delightful process, requiring much thought and adjustment.  Trimming a fresh cut tree, hanging wreaths and stockings, and deciding what in the world to do with the table come next.  And as it happens, the Hays County fire ban has been lifted at long last- so we can even get the fire screen cleaned up and the logs set too!

 A tasty ham with a nice Russian potato salad, homemade chile and rice with all the fixin's,  a lemon cake from The Sugar Shack , pecan pies from Wimberley Pie Company topped off with some delicious spiked milk punch, and aromatic coffee from Sip ought to get my group in the mood for the long winter's night, and for celebration on Christmas day.. 

 As you prepare for your family celebrations, we at River House thank you for your patronage and wish you love and joy this season. 

 PS Hope to see you at the EmilyAnn on the Trail of Lights- what fun!!