This is my ethnic background.
German - Swedish
Meet my family.
When I was a kid, our family had moved away from where my parents had been raised. Some of my father's relatives had moved up, though, so we did have some extended family, too.
Christmas Eve was usually focused around church services. Christmas morning would be our nuclear family -- my mom and dad, and my elder siblings...and me, of course! After opening stockings and presents, we'd have a pancake breakfast.
What's on the table?
Early afternoon my father's brother and his family (with 2 of my cousins) and his parents would gather, usually at our house. We'd have a lavish spread of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and either ham or turkey. (Usually ham.) There would be usually at least two different types of pie plus cookies for dessert.
Afterward, we'd exchange gifts with our extended family then snack throughout the evening, with ham or turkey sandwiches being a major focus.
Lessons Learned
- At this point, our extended family does try to get together, but so many of us have health problems that it can be difficult. We still have strong bonds, though, and that is evident throughout the entire year.
