The Sawyers

It is challenging enough for one extended family to come together during the holidays but this year Cheryll Sawyer is concocting an unprecedented Christmas Eve, having invited her in-laws as well. For the very first time, both sides of the family will be under the same roof. Expecting over 100 relatives, Cheryll's teenage daughter anticipates her mother's meltdown from party-planning overload.

In between party arrangements, Cheryll takes her daughter and five-year-old son to celebrate the holiday by seeing Santa at the mall and discussing their wish lists. Cheryll wants to make sure her children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Everyone arrives on Christmas Eve and the party is in full swing. Cheryll is finally able to relax when her beautifully arranged buffet collapses and her holiday meal is now all over the floor. Both families work quickly to clean up and save what they can. The main course of their Christmas Eve feast turns out to be the rescued macaroni and cheese but neither family cares as they celebrate being together. The evening ends with all the guests singing Christmas carols around the piano, and Cheryll’s son placing milk and cookies for Santa by the chimney.

Finally Christmas morning arrives and the children hurry downstairs to see what Santa has left behind – were they naughty or nice?

CHERYLL'S HOLIDAY FAVORITES

What is your favorite holiday memory?
Since I love the holidays, it's very hard to narrow it down to one, so here's a couple: Making presents for family with Sydni when she was five, and Sonny's third Christmas -- he got so excited and happy it was contagious.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?
Our family & friends coming over on Christmas Eve, and breakfast & movies on the couch Christmas morning with family.

What was the best gift you have given/received for Christmas?
One year Rod had our fake fireplace replaced with a working fireplace, because he knew having a fire burning during the holidays was one of my favorite holiday childhood memories.

Do you have any tips for people who are hosting a big family during the holidays?
Try not to get upset over small stuff, somehow everything will work out in the end. Enjoy your family -- the good and bad -- remembering you'll miss them when the holidays are over.