[Editor’s Note: A series on how personalities in the community celebrated Christmases past and the next one.]
[img]1762|right|John Kuechle||no_popup[/img]As with many persons, John and Nancy Kuechle, community activists both, knew long in advance how they will be spending Christmas Day.
“With our extended family, about 15 people,” said Mr. Kuechle as the two of them enjoyed the lighting of the Christmas tree Downtown in Town Plaza.
The Kuechles, who grew up in the Middle West, will play host in their Culver Crest home.
No potluck this time.
“We do the cooking,” says Mrs. Kuechle with a major proviso that did not exist in Christmases of their childhood.
“We have to provide for vegetarians, for people who are gluten-free and people who are eating a paleo diet. They eat meat and vegetables and nothing else.”
In the understatement of the week, Mrs. Kuechle added:
“It’s a real challenge to come up with a menu.”
With a wink, “if you have any good ideas, let us know,” said the subtly witty Mr. Kuechle.
What is the best part of Christmas at this stage of their lives — with their son away in Atlanta celebrating with his in-laws?
“Memories,” said Mrs. Kuechle.
“Watching young kids open presents,” her husband said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have many anymore.”
The Kuechles said “we don’t do presents” for each other. “I like watching other people open their presents,” he said.
But the Kuechles do present gifts “to all of our nieces and nephews.”
(To be continued)
