Twas the night before Christmas...

Merry Christmas Eve!

Today, we are doing precisely what I have done every single Christmas Eve of my life. Around lunch time, we will go to my Grandma & Pappy's house and spend the day with my mom's side of the family. I used to see this side of the family a lot, but sadly, Christmas Eve is one of the only days of the year we all get together anymore! I am very excited to see my wacky family!

Later on we will head to Paul's Uncle Mike's house to spend time with his family! It is a day full of family, which I love.

Before we leave today, I have to make a pineapple casserole to take to our family gatherings. I know pineapple + cheese sounds weird, but it is so delicious.

Pineapple Casserole Recipe:

1. In a huge bowl, mix together the following ingredients:

3-4 large cans of pineapple chunks (drained)
1 c. sugar
8 tbsp. flour
As much shredded cheddar cheese as you want (go crazy!!!)

2. Dump all of that into a cake pan. Sprinkle as many 
Ritz crackers over top as you want. (go crazy!!!)

3. Slice off pats of butter and place them out evenly on top of the crackers. 
Try to cover a lot of the casserole, you may or may not use an entire stick of butter.

4. Cook at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. VOILA!

Jelly guards the pineapple for me!

A couple years ago, I wrote a little Christmas Eve poem that I thought I would share with you again!!! It's sort of a Christmas Eve blogging tradition! I probably wrote it while I was drinking.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas, and all was not quiet

All the creatures were stirring- the cats were on a diet!

The stockings were hung in the kitchen with care,

Chrissy and Jelly were prowling.... they are quite the pair!

My husband was nestled all snug in the basement,

Playing guitar and burning some candles so fragrant.

And me in my reindeer PJs so cozy

Relaxed on the couch, cheeks bright and rosy.

When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But two kitty cats acting so cavalier

Chrissy had opened the cupboard door,

He cried and meowed- begging for more.

And Jelly just stared with bright precious eyes,

That said, "Please give me food!" and I had to sympathize...

"Now Chrissy! Now Jelly! You're going to be fine!

It's only ten o'clock and you just ate at nine!"

"Don't let them dupe you!" Paul called from below.

"There's no way they're hungry. They're putting on a show."

And so I bent down and gave them a kiss,

Their antics are always so hard to resist.

After all, my dear readers, it was Christmas Eve,

They deserve something special, I do believe.

Quietly, cautiously, ever so discrete,

I snuck to the cupboard and got out the treats.

The cats excitedly puffed out their tails

And within seconds gobbled their treats- diets derailed.

But holidays are a time to relax and recharge,

to not worry about calories, sugar and carbs.

Tomorrow the kitties will get back on track,

Their hard work not ruined by one midnight snack.

Chrissy and Jelly were now so content,

They purred with delight and off to bed they went.

But I heard them exclaim, as they sneaked out of sight,

"Meowy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

What are your Christmas Eve Traditions?