Neighborly Mafia Party

Today’s post is significantly late due to some very strenuous activity last night.  We hosted our annual neighbor Christmas Party along with the always fun Panamanian Mafia.  That meant a day spent in heavy preparation as my wife moved the house from its usual pristine condition to almost surgically clean.

Buddy With his Christmas Scarf

I’ve learned not to argue with the various tasks I’m assigned during times like this because the result is always something really special.  Buddy was a little pissed because he was adorned with his annual Christmas scarf, something both of us feel is extremely emasculating.  I can almost hear him thinking, “ C’mon!  This indignity combined with a certain surgical process!”

My Wife Decorating the Door

The big job of the preparation phase was gifting wrapping the front door (like I said, I don’t ask).  My wife does this each year but this is the first time I’ve been asked to help and I never realized how much work it is, especially with temperatures in the 30’s. The result speaks for itself. 

The Finished Door

My son and the MEF continued their depredations in New York City ably assisted by my daughter and son in law.  We received periodic updates from them throughout the night.  I think some of the texts they received from their festive parents may have raised an eye brow or three. 

Daughter Bracketed by MEF and Son

All the neighbors showed up right on time and the party got off to a great start.  We were lucky enough to also have some friends come up from Rhode Island and it’s testament to their quality that they fit in seamlessly with a new crowd.  My wife had prepared a couple of huge pork loins and everybody brought a dish to share and the food was unbelievably tasty, including some very keto-troubling Christmas cookies.

My Wife's Sign Wall Augmented with Christmas Signs

In a surprise move who’s impact could almost register on the Richter Scale ( J ), the Panamanian mafia showed up a little late.  Once they arrived on the scene the noise and fun level reached new levels. 

Party Time

One of the things I love about Christmas parties is the presence of kids along with their parents.  The neighbors have some of the cutest kids in the western hemisphere and seeing them marvel at the wife’s Christmas decorating results was so much fun.  It also creates a certain amount of grandparent envy which I’m sure will come to roost over the holidays with our own children (fair warning).

My Wife Coordinating the Food

The party was a huge success and proceeded, once the most of the kids had departed, into the inevitable dancing phase since the mafia was present.  We alternated between salsa and oldies but there was never a time when the dance floor was unoccupied.  Well there was one time.  I took a CD out of a case labeled salsa but we were immediately treated to some really loud punk rock music, courtesy of my son in law’s band.  The Latinos to their immense credit tried to do something with it but my wife summarily ordered a change.  It wasn’t very Christmassy but a nice reminder of our distant kids.

Some of the Kids Trying to be "Cool" on the Couch

Full Dance Floor Most of the Night

Some Beautiful Members of the Mafia, Wife on the Right

I think everyone had a good time because we neared midnight and several of the adult neighbors and most of the mafia were still around.  The price of the preparation phase, while redeemed in the party’s success, came due as both the wife and I were exhausted.  She even left the dance floor for a couple minutes.  A great evening spent with friends – a suitable kick off to my favorite time of year.

My Wife and I with Rhode Island Friends

 

Part of the Mafia Crowd