Christmas Eve 2024: Kalle Anke

 Tuesday, December 24, 2024

After the Christmas Eve festivities Dale and I retreated to the TV room to watch Kalle Anke.

We found the American version, From All of Us to All of You, on youTube. The Swedish version, Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul (Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas) is similar. 

Sadly I fell asleep about a third of the way through. I woke up briefly for the beginning of the live stream of the Christmas Eve service of the church of a friend of mine from high school. I saw some of the preservice carols being sung but fell asleep for the service. We had planned on going to the actual church service but I was feeling a bit run-down today. 

Christmas Eve 2024: Cookies and Lattes

 Tuesday, December 24, 2024

After dinner Dianne made lattes and we had some holiday inspired Milanos. 

I asked Alexa to play a few Christmas songs for us starting with Do You Hear What I Hear by Lincoln Brewster. 

Next a trio of Christmas songs from The Killers. Dale's favorite is Joel the Lump of Coal. He says it always makes him a little teary. Christmas In L.A. really resonates with me this year as it's about not being home for Christmas. It's evocative of the song White Christmas and actually incorporates part of that song into it. I'm doing pretty well not being home for Christmas and am enjoying it here quite a bit but am finding I'm missing Mom quite a bit. 

Christmas Eve 2024: Dinner

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 

The table was minimally yet beautifully set. 

The stroganoff was savory and delicious. 

And enjoyed by everyone. 

Dianne selected A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack for dinner music. 

Christmas Eve 2024: Cigar Time

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Shifted into Christmas Eve mode around 3:00.

Provided minimal help to John by chopping onions as he was starting to get tonight's beef stroganoff ready.

Dale coached John by sharing what he does for his own beef stroganoff recipe. 

Cigar time arrived around 3:30. It was perfect out. 

We'd reached the high for the day. 

So I lit up. 

I moved on from gin to bourbon. John took a break from cooking and came out for a swim. He said my cigar smelled great. He was right. It tasted great too.