21st Century Christmas

Family Christmas planning in the 21st Century could not be more complex, especially when your family extends all over the country.  To the rescue - technology for all generations! Really, get the greatgrandparents and the little ones connected!    We are having a jolly time cyber-connecting, menu and game planning. Greatgrandparents are Gen 1.0, and so on until you get the youngest ones in Gen 4.0.  How lucky are we to have 4 generations celebrating together?!

Welcome to our 21st Century Christmas.

Menu ideas posted
Cherry Mojitos (see picture below)
Sparkling sugared Cranberry Brie Bites (picture below)
Cioppino
Prime Rib
Santa Brownie Hats

I'm noticing that we're a little lite on the salads and veggie dishes.  Call for suggestions.

More technology FUN:
One of my nieces created a share Pinterest board where we can share ideas for our big get together.  Totally fun to see some of the sites that they are exploring, and to learn more about their interests.  
Pinterest Christmas Board

Some favorite posts

 

 

We used two different sites for two different Secret Santa exchanges. Both sites are similar in that you input the emails of all the family members, and the site randomly "draws" and emails individuals about who they are buying for this year.  You can create "relationships" so that husbands aren't giving to their wives, etc.   

Draw Names 

Secret Santa Generator

Then of course there are Amazon wish lists, but somehow that seems too prescribed. It is more fun, and builds relationships better, if you have to GET TO KNOW your family, their wishes and hearts' desires, and then purchase something you think they will love (gift receipt attached.)  I love when someone gifts me, proceeded by "It just looked like you!"  Then I know, they get me. Or don't. Hmmmmm.  

Christmas cards by email?  Not into it. The only time I mail letters are the occasional cards and Christmas cards, so I'm going old-school on this one. I will accept merry greetings, however, any way you want to send them.

Ho-ho-hmmmming!

~CJ