Growing up our Christmas Eve tradition was to go to my grandma’s house on my dad’s side for BBQ and Christmas Eve church. Over the years having pork, Brunswick stew, cornbread, greens, etc on Christmas Eve made the start to the holiday with my family so special and I look forward to that meal.

A few years ago, we celebrated Christmas in Georgia earlier in December, so we were home for Christmas and I knew I had to have my BBQ Christmas Eve dinner. We invited our good friends over who were also “alone” on Christmas Eve and had a big dinner before heading to the church service with our families (including 2 babies). Going to the kid’s church service then to one of our homes for BBQ has become our new tradition and I just love it.

When I host, I get excited to bring out the Lennox Christmas china that my grandma gave me and set the dining room table. It’s fun to mix in my blue linens with the Christmas china and make a centerpiece with what’s blooming in the yard. I enjoy folding the napkins into Christmas trees for another festive touch.

Christmas Eve this year will be different without my Grandma here, but I know she’ll be with us in spirit and proud that we’re keeping the BBQ tradition going..