Christmas in Wilmette & Hawthorn Woods

The festivities continued on Christmas Eve at Brett and Carol’s house in Wilmette. Brett once again outdid himself with a phenomenal meal: great appetizers (I need the salmon recipe!), soup, pasta and a Braciole to die for. I swear he needs to retire from being a doctor and become a full-time chef – he’s that good!

It was wonderful to get together with Brett and Carol and Charlie (8), Johnny (6) and Lydia (3), Mom and Dad, Michael and Penny (Carol’s parents), Fred (Carol’s uncle), and Bruce (Carol’s brother). We had a wonderful time eating, drinking and opening the Secret Santa gifts.

Larry and I stayed over at Mom and Dad’s and opened presents when we got back to Hawthorn Woods. Pretty late, but not as bad when Brett and I used to get poor Mom and Dad, and Granny up at 2:00 am – poor Granny!



Christmas day started with mass at St. Francis de Sales – Mom & Dad’s church. Fr. Ryan was great, albeit hoarse from all the Christmas masses he did!

The party continued when everyone (plus Ben, Bruce’s son) from Christmas Eve headed to Mom and Dad’s in Hawthorne Woods for a Christmas Day dinner. Mom always prepares a fabulous meal – antipasto and other yummy appetizers, pierogi, pork, Maltese stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, and desserts! It was so good, that I think I “suffered” from “food-coma” afterwards!

It was so great to see the kids open their presents and just enjoy the day.

Not to be outdone by the holiday cds playing, Charlie, Johnny and Lydia serenaded the family:





For some reason I couldn't flip Charlie's and Lydia's video - so you'll have to turn your head. :)

What a great holiday!