Christmas family treats

Willie will be coming home at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. So will Debbie. The last time Willie spent Christmas with us was seven years ago, although we didn't see much of him. He took off early in the morning and drove to Spokane Airport. Then, he boarded a plane for Boise. Once there, he went Debbie's grandparents' home, where she was taking part in holiday festivities.

Willie went to the house with a bouquet of flowers and a small box. As tears streamed down Debbie's grandfather's face, Willie descended to one knee facing Debbie, offered the flowers and asked, "Will you marry me?" Debbie said yes. He gave her the engagement ring, which he had allowed Annie and me to help him select a few weeks before at Kincaid's Jewelers.

After a short visit, he went back to the airport, flew to Spokane, drove to Sandpoint and met us at Connie's, where we had our Christmas dinner.

Well, this time things will be a little different. Willie and his bride of six years will fly in to Spokane. Then, we'll drive to Post Falls and have dinner at Mallard's Restaurant. When we arrive back at the Lovestead, everything should be ready for the big family bonfire.

We started this tradition three years ago. Willie and Debbie will attend their first. One thing they're going to have to be aware of is the need to be able to run fast through snow. Besides the flames leaping into the air, there will be human bodies sneaking, leaping and darting among the trees, flinging snow balls at other human bodies trying to dodge the assaults.

Each year we wrap my mother up in blankets to make sure she stays warm while watching all her old kids turn into young kids again for a couple of hours. Besides being the grandma observer, Mother also serves as a demilitarized zone for the snowy combat going on all around her. Anyone wishing for a break from the pelting need only stand beside Mother's chair. It's good for her cuz she gets to visit with the family and good for the person who can avoid injury for a moment or two.

In all this craziness, triplets and dogs are running around. Sometimes giggling, shrieking triplets are being swooped up by older uncles and carried through the night air. Sometimes the young'uns are helping other older relatives built a snow fort for further protection.

Usually, Bill is wisely avoiding combat and simply adding to the fire. In the midst of it all, a smore or two is consumed and maybe a few charcoal marshmallows as flames jump from the fire and ascend toward the dark sky. Some folks are just as happy pairing off and visiting quietly under the stars, while avoiding the snowball war.

When everyone's worn out, the mass of humanity and caninity and even the token felinity, Miss Fuzzy Wuzzy, heads for the house via 4-wheelers, sleds or feet where an assortment of desserts and beverages awaits. Again, Bill stokes up the wood stove, while groups mingle throughout the house, visiting and bantering.

This has been a good family tradition, and it's going to be all the more special because the Loves of Boise will be joining the army of family bonfire addicts. Not a bad way to top off a Christmas day. Can't wait!