What a privilege we had to celebrate another blessed year at Stone Soup Cottage!  The ambiance was rustic and elegant and the six course meal with paired wines was, um... words fail.  Eyebrows were raised, eyes closed, there were low moans of satisfied approval and conspiratorial nods across the table.  But the chance to enjoy each other's fellowship was the highlight of the night.

After our tradition of party poppers with bad Christmas jokes (samples below), we matched wits in our annual game of White Elephant tomfoolery.  The prize, "Most Regiftable", was won easily by Sarah who took home a box of rocks.  Bet we see that one back next year.  Notably, there was an Armadillo and actual White Elephant.  The prize for, "Least Regiftable" went to Sara who made a customized "Guess Who" board game featuring the whole cast at Vessel.  The lucky recipient won't part with that treasure.  Oh, and we almost burned the place down.  Literally.  For legal reasons the story can't be told in writing, so you'll have to ask a Vessel employee/survivor.

This is how bad the Christmas jokes were...

What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney?
Claustrophobia!

Why does Santa have three gardens?
So he can 'ho ho ho'!

Why did Santa's helper see the doctor?
Because he had a low "elf" esteem!

What kind of motorbike does Santa ride?
A Holly Davidson!

Good thing the food was good!