An Italian American Christmas Eve Dinner Tradition

[Uncle Bob]

CaptainMike next time you see my bride ask her how she learned about traditional Italian meals at my mother's house. She came from Irish stock and the closest she ever got to a seven course meal was a potato and a six pack.

[CaptainMike]

Classic wisecrack!! My Irish grandfather had a Ford pickup with a four on the floor and a fifth under the seat!

[Uncle Bob]

Well, the first half is true, she was not prepared. The loud vocal exchanges also threw her for a loop ........she had soooo much to learn.

[CaptainMike]

I think an outsider needs to look deep into the dynamics and go with the flow. After a while we're just as loud and lusty as they are! Almost all of my people are long gone now, and this family IS my family. The best part of that is I am as much a part of their family as blood. I'm their Tom Hagen without the responsibility. Well, except for my relationship with their daughter/sister/auntie/cousin/sister-in-law/mother/Nana or relative of any consequence whatsoever. I'm good with that.