Let's Partaaay.

I am convinced that we have the best, and funnest neighbors in the world. We wrote invitations and told them all to come at 3pm on Sunday. We were expecting up to 20 people if everyone showed up. The party started early, which never really happens here. We invited the kids over early to help us decorate and ice sugar cookies. It turned into a race to see who could decorate the most in the shortest amount of time. Apri's Momma sent us some fun cookie cutters, including a very proud Texas- shaped one. April took greta pride in creating edible treats in the shape of the Lone Star State. To make me feel better she also tried to cut out something that kind of resembled the state of Florida. I will post pictures later....
The guests started arriving at around 3pm. We started playing Punjabi music, because they didn't know how to dance to Christmas music. April and I were a little concerned that we didn't have enough things to do to keep our guests occupied, however, between the music, dancing and of course knitting (no cool south Asian party is complete without knitting) they kept themselves pretty occupied. I wish I had captured the dancing better, two of our Aunties were joking around and dancing and our Auntie (Mama ji) and myself, just busted out laughing. Sometimes when I laugh I kind of squeek, this was one of those times. Soon they were no longer laughing at the dancing, but at the white girl squeeking!
After the dancing died down we decided to give them some food, we started with the apple cider- a total FLOP. Who would have thought that warm apple juice with cinnamon would be a no go!? Luckily the sugar cookies and cheese dip were a success and I think our cider failure was soon forgotten.
Then came time for the Christmas story...again April's mom sent us an interactive nativity set, so we told the story of Christmas and a friend read about it in Hindi. After the story, we gave them their preents. I think they really liked them, and they gave us presents too. I kind of felt a little bad because I think they may have felt obliged to give us things, but we got some fun gifts....again I will post pictures later. After the dancing, knitting, story telling, eating, and gift giving, everyone parted ways and the clean up started. I haev to say I was a little concerned that the party would be a flop, but then again with our crazy neighbors and a little music it's enough enjoyment for everyone!