Sian has once again come up with a great idea for some holiday blogging--a revival of her 2010 Christmas Club stories. Just begin with: At Christmas we . . .
At Christmas we have a family band.
It started in 2007 when my brother-in-law gave Tracy's sister an accordian for their anniversary. Tracy, Greg, and Jill all played in an award-winning accordian band when they were in high school. They traveled around the country and won quite a few prizes. When his brother, Greg, saw the gift he suggested Jill learn a few Christmas carols and they'd play at Christmas. Greg is a professional musician and my brother-in-law, Tom, plays the drums in a local band so right away they had a trio.
Over the years, the band has grown. Two of our nieces brought very talented boyfriends to Christmas dinner for several years, Greg's significant other is a musician from Austin, both Tracy's cousin and her daughter are talented musicians as well, so the band sounds pretty good. Jill, however, gave up her place in the band after the first year or two.
Hollis, my niece's boyfriend, seen here playing the flute, also plays the piano, bagpipes, and mandolin. He's got a great voice too.
We're never quite sure who will bring what instrument, but for the last seven years the family band has entertained us in style. You can find other Christmas Club stories here.
