Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Annual Christmas Dinner at Madonna Inn








Traditions are pretty cool. They offer nostalgia, security, reliability, and predictability in the face of uncertain times. We enjoyed a great tradition this weekend. Every year Mrs. Ferini hires us to takes her grandchildren to enjoy a holiday feast at Madonna Inn. We have grown very fond of this family and each year we celebrate their growth and maturity. The photos we have taken year after year stand testament to her love for her family. It has been fun and fulfilling to be a part of this tradition. This year the younger children ran out and hugged us before we even got inside.


We always start the evening out with a family photo. Mrs. Ferini's house is decorated to the hilt, and finding the right backdrop is not difficult. Then we board the limobus and pour a round of sparkling cider while we watch a slide show of the pictures from years of previous trips. When we've watched all the pictures we put on a Christmas movie for the ride to the Inn.

Ken and I have formed our own tradition while working for the Ferini's. While they are dining we enjoy our own Holiday Feast. Stepping into Madonna Inn at Christmas is beyond the imaginations of a child. Forests of snow-laden trees, Carolers poised to sing, glittering globes and sparkling lights provide the perfect props for a "White Christmas". We enjoyed a great meal served with the utmost attention from our servers, browsed the gift shop (one Santa is sure to shop!)and watched the dancer's glide through the West Coast Swing to DJ Nancy's tunes. When younger we could coax the grandchildren out on the dance floor, but alas, with age comes self-consciousness, and none would dance this night. But once they were back on the limobus, they lost all timidity and could not get enough of the karaoke! Kyle even sang in Spanish!

Ken took us on a fabulous tour of Christmas lights from San Luis Obispo, through Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Santa Maria. But the best lit neighborhood was won by Mrs. Ferini's street, ablaze with lights, inflatables, and snowmen. The children were safely delivered to their homes, and we contentedly said farewell to this tradition for another year. The eldest are seniors this year and are planning to leave for college. We hope they will be able to return next year to enjoy this tradition again. Until then, thank you Ferini's, for allowing us to share this wonderful family tradition. Merry Christmas!

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