Growing up, I distinctly remember Christmas Eve being the most fun night ever. My parents used to host a huge Christmas Eve party, where all the adults would bring my sisters and I presents and then get rip-roaring drunk. As the adults got older, the parties quieted down. And as my sisters and I got older the presents became more practical.
Eventually, my family did a holiday switch off, with my mom taking over Thanksgiving and my aunt taking over Christmas Eve. Although the location changed, some things stayed the same. There’s still way too much food and enough loud Portuguese people and laughing to last most people a lifetime (but for us, it’s never enough!)
(And now that all the “kids” are old enough to drink, we’re back to a generation of young people getting rip-roaring drunk.)
We also use it as an excuse to get all dolled up. If it’s sparkly and black or red, someone in my family is probably wearing it. Check out my Christmas Eve style guide – I’m totally obsessed with the Alexander McQueen/McQ tartan dresses!
