Chez Kyle’s became their barnyard. There, they unleashed their inner child to take on the persona of cows, pigs, horses, dogs, cats, and crows.  Instead of the sound of the glorious bells of Christmas, they rang out a cacophony of moo’s, oinks, neighs, woofs, meows and caws in search of their mates.  When at last they were together with their kind, they competed to create the reindeer with the greatest antlers – the reindeer who would be King.  Pantyhose were donned on the head of “the chosen” while their mates blew up as many balloons as they had wind for.   Like determined grinches they stuffed them into the legs of the pantyhose to build the grandest, most magnificent antlers.

Winners were determined by applause.  All the groups won.  However, there was a little boost in applause for President Randy’s group (horses and a donkey) who had a table full of balloons and one tiny squishy balloon in the pantyhose.  Not surprising that they were the outliers as the President apparently used “Hee Haw” to find his mates.  One of a kind he is.  The winners got to take their antlers home.

Competition over, they were still laughing and all were friends again. Yet once more there was a little twist to tradition by those who chose ham or beef over turkey.  Who says, “Older people become set in their ways!”

Many thanks to Joanne Currie for organizing yet another successful celebration. Thanks too to Joanne and Micheline for their reporting and illuminating photography!