Holidays with the modern American Family...

It's Christmas and families across the world are spending time together. For my own family, we are exploring our own unique "modern family dynamics". Yes, it's Christmas at Great Grandma's.

Great Grandma is 96 years old and still as feisty as ever. Family members reflecting several generations find their way to grandma's house...

And what do we see at grandma's?

...one of the recently divorced grandaughter's is making out with her latest fling in grandma's kitchen. (Yes, she is in her 40s) Don't worry, one of the grandsons and I caught a glimpse of the action and diverted g-grandma's attention from the kitchen. Oops!

...said grandson has determined that this particular grouping of family and situations is worthy of a shot of Jack Daniels. A shot which is conveniently supplied from the bottle in his trunk.

...another grandson arrives with his partner. Don is introduced to g-grandma and makes rapid friends.

...son-in-law who is a Catholic deacon and father of above mentioned grandson cannot believe that the happy couple are present at the family festivities. Wife and mother of above mentioned grandson says tsk tsk...sits down and also makes rapid friends with Don. Deacon leaves during snowstorm for a walk

...previously mentioned grandson who is stashing the bottle of Jack suggests we all make a group trip for a swig. Happy couple, Jack toting grandson, and I make a trip to the car.

...our foursome returns and g-grandma wants to know where we were. Jack-toting grandson tells her. She asks why he doesn't bring in the bottle because she would really like a shot as well.

...dinner is over and g-grandma is demanding that we play cards. Happy couple, g-grandma, daughter and I play cards. G-grandma insists that we not hold back, because she is a tough card player and can whip us all. Her enthusiasm is diminished later in the game as I have skunked the table. All players learn a few more Flemish swear words from g-grandma. G-grandma asks where "Jack" is.

...my mom says it's time to go...I bid my farewells. On the way out Don asks if all of our family gatherings are this amusing and if so, can he come back? You are always welcome Don.