Christmas Dinner at Grandma�s | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Christmas Dinner at Grandma�s | Previous Challenge Entry
By LaNaye Perkins
10/22/08
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Joan’s mind went back to the last time she’d been to her Grandparent’s house. It had been ten years, but the memory was vivid as she replayed the scene.

The aroma of freshly baked pies mingled with the scent of baking ham and vast array of delectable goodies, and it filled Joan’s senses as she stepped out of her car. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the cold before stepping gingerly through the crusted snow along the drive.

“Oh, how I love the smell of Grandma’s cooking.”

She stepped carefully through the icy snow, trying to reach the sidewalk without falling down.

“Well, looky what the cat dragged in!”

She recognized the booming voice of her Grandpa as she smiled toward the porch.

This house was always packed with family for Christmas dinners. They were always wonderful. She loved being able to see everyone and catch up on the latest family news. A large family was definitely a blessing to be treasured.

As she closed her eyes, she could almost hear Grandma call from the kitchen for her to get her scrawny hide in there for a good hugging. Had it really been ten years?

Grandma and Grandpa were always so full of love. Joan couldn’t think of a single time in her life that they didn’t make her feel like she was special. They made everyone feel that way and she could still feel it in this old house.

The sweet memories lingered in her mind like the smell of baking pies as she looked through the empty rooms. She remembered different times she and her cousins would push the furniture out of the way and dance to the old record player. Sometimes their parents would kick off their shoes and join in. Then there were the late nights of Yahtzee, Spoons, and Gin Rummy. Those were such good times.

The whole family would spend Christmas Eve together. Grandma always said she had room as long as she had floor space. All the cousins would make pallets across the front room floor while one of the parents would fold out the sleeper sofa and supervise the kids. The four bedrooms upstairs would all be doubled up with the rest of the parents. It always amazed her how they managed so many people with only one bathroom.

It was the family meals that she remembered the most. Grandma loved to cook, and her holiday meals were always scrumptious. The menu always had baked turkey with dressing, and a big ham. Then there were always the side dishes of candied yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, old fashioned green beans, fruit salad, a huge tossed salad, freshly baked home made bread, and corn on the cob. Of course, she always had lots of fresh brewed coffee and iced tea to wash it all down.

The desserts always included pecan, cherry, apple, and at least two pumpkin pies, red velvet cake, and an assortment of cookies. We all swore we couldn’t eat another bite without popping by the time dinner was over.

Everyone always hated to head home after the Christmas gathering. Goodbyes always lingered, and tears were often shed as everyone went their separate ways.

Joan’s attention was pulled back to the present by a passing car. She looked around and realized that the sun was sinking low. With a long sigh she walked slowly to the door. She placed a weathered key into the lock and stepped outside. With a sly smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eye she poked her head back through the door.

“The bank will finalize the papers tomorrow Grandma and Grandpa. Looks like we‘ll be having a big family dinner here this Christmas!”

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