The holiday season is robust! It’s filled with a spirit of
laughter and joy to which the word “merry” becomes a contagious action shown through
everyone. Holiday parties with warm fires, cocktail toast and cashmere sweaters.
I love having family and friends gather together every year for my Ratay
Christmas party. Everyone comes together for an evening of great company,
delightful drinks, my famous Italian meatballs and a gift exchange that keeps
everyone laughing. With this being the fourth year hosting my party, I would consider
it becoming a holiday traditions for Mike and I.
Wine and cocktails are served with appetizers
of different Italian meats, cheeses and olives followed by an Italian dinner
with my special meatballs (which I spend the weekend before making). They are
always a hit. There usually are two types of pasta, this year it was Lasagna
and pesto which were also delicious and paired perfectly with the Chianti wine.
Mike, my husband, made a special shot this year called Cinnamon Crunch. He used
the liquor Fireball with cinnamon whiskey and Caruva Horchata; oddly it tasted
just like the cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, the spice flavor of it was perfect
for the holidays and those who enjoy doing shots, personally I can’t stand
them!
It truly is great to
see everyone interacting together for the holidays that “merry” spirit just
takes over making the evening delightful! My favorite part of the whole night is our
white elephant gift exchange, every year I do a different theme, and this year
was any head accessory (such as a hat or head band). Gifts range from beautiful
beach hats to hilarious elf hats that danced and sung on your head, as well as
a leopard printed hat that extended to the length of the persons arms. Luckily,
I ended up with a beautiful white scarf with a little silver shimmer inside I
was really excited for my gift because past years I end up with the weird ones
or funny ones that I probably would never use.
After 11pm the “normal” party stops and the after party
begins. We danced, drank and played an array of games; it was a blast! This
year Mike added a disco ball for all the dancing that takes place which
everyone actually enjoyed. This is what
the holidays are all about; letting go of all worries, spending time with
family and friends enjoying the spirit of “merry” which flows through the air
and counting our blessings in which we have received.
From the Ratay family to yours, wishing you a Merry
Christmas!
Mike, Sherry, Savannah, Ashley and LeeMichael
