Overall, I have to say that it was a success, even though I'm exhausted now. I got through another holiday, though, doing two important things -- holding on to the traditions of my childhood, and distracting myself enough that the losses I feel aren't quite so intense.

We ate off my grandparents' wedding china. I never remember eating off of it when I was a kid. It was even more special than the other "special" dishes I inherited (I don't mind putting the everyday-special dishes in the dishwasher -- the wedding china was, of course, washed by hand).

Most of the dishes we had were based on recipes my mom and grandmother made for holidays. We never had duck, but mmmm, duck. Overall, I have to say that it was a success. Just enough nostalgia, without getting overwhelmed.

Bonus puppy pic: Rusti thought so, too.