A Very Merry White Christmas

My parents hosted a huge Christmas dinner at their house with almost 30 people. Al and I got there early (around 2) so that we could help with some of the last-minute touches. 

The Christmas/Hanukkah tree looked lovely. 

The snow started soon after we arrived, and it didn't stop until early the next morning. It was so perfect for Christmas. 

People started to arrive around 4, and the kitchen became extremely chaotic as it filled up with everyone unpacking their food and setting up appetizer plates. I was running around the first hour looking for the right plates and bowls and making sure that people had drinks, etc. Once everybody was settled in, I could enjoy some appetizers. The cheese plate was fantastic. 

My grandma brought a cold spinach and artichoke dip.

My mom asked me to make the warm dip again, so I made it for the third time in one week. There were also nachos, peanuts, eggrolls, and chicken potstickers. 

There were tons of things for dinner that I forgot to photograph, which included chicken, brisket, pasta with veggies, jello, 2 different types of kugel, spinach and cheese casserole, and more. 

There were also so many desserts. 

There were even more desserts than those pictured below. There were pumpkin and cherry pies and a box of pastries as well. We had so many leftovers to take home. 

We also opened presents before dinner. We got a lot of stuff, but I think one of my favorites was our Costco membership from my parents! I can't wait to start shopping there. I also got a slow cooker from Al that we're going to break in tomorrow. 

The dogs, of course, had a blast. They got so much attention, and I'm sure that people slipped them some food under the table. My cousin Rachel and Sam spent a lot of time together. 

We also got a sibling photo! Emily and Ben are on the left (they just got married in September and recently came back from their honeymoon in Costa Rica!), Sheena and Jon are in the middle, and you know the rest. 

Driving home was a pain in certain parts, but we made it back in one piece (with all of our leftovers!). I was also proud of Al for driving in the snow for his first time and doing such a great job. 

I hope that everybody had a wonderful Christmas!