This was the deal

When the news came out that I would not be 

traveling to NJ for Christmas, a deal was struck:

I'd stay for New Years, 

as long as I could throw a dinner party on its Eve.

Hence, yesterday found me in my mother's kitchen,

making the most of her utensils,

putting her to work.

When the relatives came,

I fed them soup,

 before bringing out the main event

 in all of its deliciousness.

We ate it all up then,

over familial conversation.

Soon enough, however,

 the hilarity 

 [and the confetti]

 was fantastically unleashed.

 Even Grandma got in on the action for awhile, 

before we closed things out with these silly sisters and their particular brand of ridiculously fun fun.

At the turn of the night, 

we watched the ball drop and welcomed each other to a new year.  

2014, we're curious about you: 

What will be your deal?