The Christmas dinner countdown is underway. It’s Christmas Eve. My father’s oyster stew. I did learn that oyster stew is a traditional Christmas Eve menu. This is probably not my father’s recipe, but it turned out great. Basically half and half and “lots” of butter and a pint of oysters. I added celery, shallots, 5 drops of Tabasco and salt and pepper. The shrimp is for a nice garnish touch. Time to prep for tomorrow. The other thing my father did on Christmas Day was read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2:1-20 before we could open any presents. I’d hand him the newspaper to hurry things up. Back in the day, the Des Moines Register publish this Bible passage on their front page on Christmas Day. Merry CHRISTmas.