Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry

Growing up in a large family, the weeks leading up to Christmas were a combination of controlled chaos and spiraling anticipation. Trying to be spiritual with Advent Wreath devotions all the while counting the days before we could open our presents made us somewhat schizophrenic.

For years my parents hosted a Tom and Jerry Christmas party. Friends and family were invited to help usher in the season by gathering to sip and share this Christmas cheer. I don’t know how it all started but I do remember lots of people flocking to our home each year to partake of food and drink.

The Tom and Jerry drink is an acquired taste. My dad had this secret recipe that involved concentrated preparation and left the kitchen a mess. This hot drink was a concoction of egg nog, whipped egg whites, brandy, rum, assorted spice and hot water served in a mug. The sign of a good Tom and Jerry was that it left a foamy mustache on your upper lip. Moderation was the key to making it home safe.

For those of less exotic taste there was Silver Satin punch. This is a sweet, inexpensive white wine served in a large punch bowl filled with ice. Because it is pleasant tasting and seems innocent enough, it can be dangerous to the thirsty. More than one child at the party got buzzed thinking it was kid’s punch.

Sharing this family tradition stirs up all kinds of memories. How my dad loved to be the chef and bartender while my mother, dressed immaculately in a red satin dress, wondered who all these people were and who was going to clean up the mess. Singing Christmas carols slightly out of tune and hearing stories of Christmas past were the potpourri of our holiday season.

After my father’s passing, my brother endeavored to carry on the Tom and Jerry Christmas party. Those attending were siblings, in-laws and grandchildren; all former attendees had passed on. Now it is all a memory of Christmas past.

I’m going looking for a bar that serves this holiday nectar and see if it gives me a white mustache.