Was Santa Good to You? And a recipe for Elegant Wild Rice Soup...our Christmas Eve Tradition

Lucy loves to lay under the Christmas tree when the lights are on.

I think she looks a little disturbed that there is no longer a place for her there.

Oh, and do you notice how the tree is tilting to the left?

That would be Callie trying to climb up into the branches.

Some of you remember this scene from two years ago.

(Yes, those are new shatter-proof ornaments.)

My best Christmas gift was having our family around our dining room table.

(My mother can no longer travel, so we did miss her this Christmas eve.)

Every year we go to church together and return home for soup and appetizers.

This is our family's favorite.

Elegant Wild Rice Soup

1 cup wild rice

3 cups water

6 tbsp. butter

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 c. flour

3 cups chicken broth

3/4 cup minced ham,chicken or turkey

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup vermouth

1 cup half and half

Bring rice and water to boil. Simmer 45 minutes.

Melt butter, saute onion. Blend in flour, gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Add remaining soup ingredients and heat through.

This year, due to a shortage on time, I purchased the cans of cooked wild rice...plus they were on sale and less expensive. Wow, is that a time saver!

Instead of using ham this year, I used left-over turkey from our noon meal.

Hubby said he liked it better...less salty...

While Emily was preparing the soup,

I prepared the TGIF Baked Potato Skins. I just have to make them every year, as the red and green look like Christmas...plus they are sooo yummy!

I received some very special gifts from my family and students.

I'm waiting for some sunshine to take photos.

(I can't wait to show you.)

What are your family traditions on Christmas eve?

Take care,

~Natalie