Merry Christmas

Christmas Song Lyric of the Day:

There’s a world outside your window / And it’s a world of dread and fear / Where the only water flowing / Is the bitter sting of tears / And the Christmas bells that ring there / Are the clanging chimes of doom / Well tonight thank God it’s them / Instead of you

Band-Aid / “Do They Know It’s Christmas”

11:58PM.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Oy. I don’t know where to start. So here goes:

Friday night gift exchange with the gang and defeat at my own brand-new game, Scene It? (thanks again, Jonnie & Curry) at the hands of the savant-like Tamara. Too much food.

Saturday morning gift exchange with Shawn and Benjamin at my parents’ house. Thanks again to them both for the Best Buy gift cards–always on our wish lists. I was really just so happy that Benjamin liked the books I picked out for him. Have to encourage reading, you know.

Saturday night Christmas Eve dinner at my parents’ house. Yep–twice in one day. So nice we visited them twice. Once again ate too much. Watched a Christmas movie classic, The Ref. (“Mom, the TV’s broken. What are we gonna do all night?” “Celebrate the birth of Christ!”)

Sunday morning presents at my parents’ house. Was once again awed by how much my parents gave me, my sisters, and our significant others. Thanks to them for an awesome Christmas.

Sunday evening presents and dinner at Pappa Doug and Momma Carol’s house. Was once again awed by how much they gave me, Rich, Kirsten, and Chris. Thanks to them for an awesome Christmas, as well.

Basically, Rich and I made out like bandits. I received at least 10 box DVD sets (I kid you not), including seasons two through four of 21 Jump Street. I think it’s time to start a monthly Jump Street night. (Whaddya say, Jonnie?) Rich and I both received numerous gift cards to Best Buy, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, and Target. We both received books, CDs, and DVDs. I even received jewelry from my parents, which I loved. I’ll be showing off my new earrings and necklace in New York City.

My most meaningful gift exchange was with my guy on Friday evening. My big gift from him was a new laptop battery, which made my night. He also gave me some really nice, modern serving dishes so I won’t have to use our everyday plates next time we host a get together (finally!). He also gave me a pretty maroon sweater from B. Moss, season six of The Simpsons, a purple gym bag, three PlayStation 2 games (Atari thumb, here I come!), a purple bath robe, and the 2006 Pit Bull Terrier Calendar, among other things. We also gave our kids their presents Friday night and discovered Caleb’s endless enthusiasm at unwrapping his own gifts. We ended up wrapping his new toy in our discarded wrapping paper at least four more times so he could unwrap it. Each time, he reacted with the same surprise as the first time he opened it. You could see it in his eyes: “Monkey!” Too cute.

I can’t stress enough how much it meant to me to be able to enjoy this Christmas at home. No more interstate traveling, just bundling presents into the car for a quick drive to our families’ houses. Really, though, I am so very grateful to be blessed with a magnificent family and extended family, and friends who have always been and will always be there for me. I can only hope my out-of-state family and friends had a wonderful Christmas as well.

Here’s to a fantastic 2006!