Christmas this year felt like it could fall apart at any minute, given the rising threat of omicron. We were hoping to travel to PA and do the usual gatherings with the Mahoneys, so we took all possible precautions: the kids reached full vaccination status on Dec 17, Andrew and I were boosted, as were all the Mahoneys ages 5 and over. We all ordered a bunch of rapid antigen tests with the plan to test daily before each gathering. Still, I figured there was a very low chance we made it through the weekend without someone testing positive.
On the 22nd I finished wrapping presents and made a batch of the chocolate ginger cookies and the salted chocolate chip shortbread. I figured even if we got a positive and had to stay in NY we could at least have our favorite Christmas cookies!
On Thursday the 23rd we took our first of the rapid antigen tests and they all came back negative! So we packed up the car and headed to PA.
On Christmas Eve we started the day with more rapid covid tests! Then it was off to bowling at Wynnewood lanes.
Next came the traditional Mahoney luncheon with filet mignon and mushroom risotto, roasted carrots and salad, followed by Tim’s bread pudding for dessert. Yum!
We even had the Mahoney Gift Grab!
That evening we went for a walk to enjoy some fresh air before getting ready for Santa.
Christmas morning brought lots of presents! The kids tore through their gifts this year, no delays.
Christmas morning also brought our third day of negative covid tests! Hooray!
On Christmas afternoon we went for a walk across this old railroad bridge in Manayunk with Uncle Jim, Aunt Denise, Annie, Aunt Jane, Uncle Fran, and Mom-Mom.
Back at Ingeborg Road, we enjoyed multiple rounds of Candyland and Trouble with Josie, mixed in with Hot Wheels with Nate.
Aunt Jean and Uncle Hank hosted the Mahoneys on Christmas Day for a dinner of delicious lasagna.
The day after Christmas we met up with the Mahoney cousins at a nearby park for some playground time and to try out this rainbow parachute the kids got for Christmas.
Then more board games and hanging out! The day after Christmas is always so relaxing.
I did not think it was possible we’d make it through the weekend without any positive tests, but we somehow were able to celebrate the holiday without getting or spreading covid. And we managed to see all the Mahoneys, in person! It was too bad we weren’t able to see any of the Forsyths for this holiday, hopefully next year. Thanks to Mom, Tim and Liz for hosting us!