This past Friday night I held my 3rd annual holiday party, an ornament exchange. I used to hold these back in Colorado, but when I moved to my new neighborhood here in the South, another lady had already begun the tradition. It was fun to attend her party and pocket some new ideas. When Evelyn moved a few years ago, I decided to start hosting once again.
Usually I just invite my immediate friends from the neighborhood and church, and we usually have around 10-11 people. And that’s been so much fun. It’s a little intamate and low-key, but this year I have joined a few events with the “Ladies of Lake Wylie” social group here in town, and I decided to open it up to them as well. What’s amazing is several who came from the group I had never met. I think that’s a really brave thing to do, to show up to an invite when you don’t know the hostess, and aren’t necessariy going with a friend.
I was in a small panic for a bit — the RSVPs between the two groups at one point were reaching 40 people. Now, of course Iknew they wouldn’t all come, but still. Where was I going to sit everyone? I literally don’t have that many chairs!!! But, when the night finally came, we would up having 24 ladies. Just enough chairs, plenty of food, and great mixing and mingling with one another. It was so fun to see the new friendships being born before my eyes.
A highlight, of course, was having Mel there. It’s still sinking in that we get to share nights like these again going forward. Others were missed and couldn’t attend for various reasons. I get it, it’s a really busy time of year.
We managed to get about three ornaments in and the “stealing” began — and fun, laughter, and banter ensued. So much fun and a welcome break after a crazy week. Entertaining is for sure tiring, but oh so worth it in the end. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Shrinking Shay 
So happy you had a crowd that included Mel! What a sweet time with new and well known friends.
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