A Family Christmas Sleigh Ride You see pictures of it in magazines, commercials, flyers, paintings. But do people still really do it? Yes they do. A sleigh ride at Christmas time. It still does exist.

A few years ago a good friend of mine called me up and asked if I would like to bring my family to her family Christmas party. Of course I said yes. She then told me that we would be meeting at a farm to go on a horse drawn sleigh ride. What a great idea! It was one of the best Christmas get togethers we had gone to.

So this year I thought. Hmmmm what could I do for my family Christmas. As most of you know, as the years go by families go their separate ways. Sometimes even at Christmas. So, what we try to do is get all the brothers, sisters, Aunts, Uncles, cousins etc.. together a week or two before Christmas day. What better way to get everyone together, than to go on an old fashion Christmas sleigh ride.

I thought first I will call the oldest person in the family to see how she felt about it. Well let me tell you my 86 year old Grandmother is almost as excited as my 6 year old daughter. She told me that she had always wanted to go on one but had never gotten the chance in all her years. What a great memory this will be for her. Seeing her great grandchildren, grandchildren and daughters all together on something she had always wanted to do. Merry Christmas Gramma!

Now the planning begins. I choose a date, then called a local farmer to book the sleigh ride. You may want to book early so that you can get the date and time you want. I made a list of all my guests. And as Santa would do, I check it twice. I then called everyone. Told them about the family Christmas party and what we would be doing. By the way...Everyone loves the idea. While one the phone with my guests I ask them what they would like to bring. It's a potluck all the way. This way it's makes it a little easier on the host for when we get back to the house. Everything is prepared, (you may have to warm a few things) but you are able to serve the food as soon as everyone gets back from the Christmas sleigh ride.

Once you know what everyone is bringing, make a list of it so that you can make sure you have enough for the amount of people you are having. For instance, I'll be having around 30 people back. So my menu is: Brie-warmed and served with crackers, cheese and kielbasa platter, vegetable tray with dip, cabbage rolls, lasagna, sweet and sour meatballs, cheesy mashed potatoes, fresh rolls, Cesar Salad and some yummy Christmas baking. I will also serve hot apple cyder, have some beer and wine and juice for the kiddies.

Try to do all your shopping a few days before the event. That way everything is fresh, and you still have time to prepare what you're making. Make sure you have all the glasses, plates, cutlery, napkins, bowls etc. that you need. I use paper or plastic so that I'm not spending all my time in the kitchen while everyone his here. It's a quick and easy clean up and I can enjoy some Christmas cheer with my family and friends.

I am really looking forward to my family Christmas sleigh ride this year. And if you decide to try this wonder festive event, I'm sure it will become one of your family favorite traditions as it has ours.

Merry Christmas!

Stacey Leigh is a stay at home mom who also runs a number of internet sites with Chrismtas and recipe themes, check these out at: