CHRISTMAS EVE:
I didn't have to work today because only the gallery was open, therefore Cassie took the half-day shift. I spent the morning dealing with wrapping prezzies and such, before getting ready for the church services. First my parents and I went to my grandparents' anglican church with my cousin Jennah-Jo and Aunt Cheri. The service is generally an hour and a half or so, but this year had a lot less stand-sit-kneel... possibly because there was a new minister as the previous one is now a bishop or something.
Once that service was finished, my parents and I went home for a quick pit-stop to grab a snack and gifts, before heading to our own church. I absolutely adore the candle-light service and go every year even if I end up by myself. My bestie's nana was there and gave me a pretty purple scarf, and a lot of the old teens came back as all are now in college or older. OME the one guy certainly grew up while he's been gone these past five years because he now has this hawt christian musician look going for him... and he's friggen TALL! I was wearing three or four inch heels and he still had to bend over a fair bit to give me a hug 
I had an awesome chat with his sister E home from college (who was a favourite of mine), M and N, and the others. Oh, how I miss them all!
Afterwards we stopped at my grandparents to leave their christmas prezzies. Mum didn't want them sitting in the car during the first service, so we dropped them off while the Grands were at Aunt C's christmas party (usually really, really boring and would be more so because cousin T wasn't able to make it). I wanted to invite Algy over to watch a movie or something because he's all alone, with no family and few friends in town, but my mom said "I'm sure he has other friends". I thought that was horribly mean and not at all christmas/christian like. I ended up reading a book until I fell asleep...
CHRISTMAS DAY:
For once I wasn't the last person to wake up on Christmas morning! That honour goes to mum who stayed up late to put out prezzies, whereas dad and i put ours under the tree as soon as we finished wrapping them all --though this year I got dad to wrap most of mine rather than the other way around 
My cell phone alarm woke me up, the one I have set for work as a reminder to open the gallery *oops*, and dad was already making donuts like he does every year.
I dressed delightfully ridiculous in my fuzzy monster pajamas I got last year over leggings and a long-sleeve T with red and green socks. I thought I looked awesome, but mum laughed. We had a fair few phone calls, so opening of prezzies didn't commence until 11:30ish. I got some fabulous things like the latest Katie MacAllister book, the fourth in the City of Bones series by Cassandra Clare, "The Lucky One" movie with a rather gorgeously scruffy Zac Effron, blue fuzzy socks, new cookie-taking containers (my old one broke), a giant calendar (daddy gets me one every year), some mittens and gift card for the cinema (aunt Cheri), casserole dishes (aunt pam), and fifty bucks from my grands.
I have to say that my absolute, all-time, uber favourite gift of all was an autographed cd of Drew Seeley, "The Resolution". I had been asking for his cd for a few years now, as I absolutely love his voice. Okay, so it helps that the guy is utterly adorable though now unfortunately engaged, and born Canadian. He moved to LA for his career, which I find lamentable, namely because it meant I'd never meet him --which WAS possible since he apparently occasionally hits the Danforth when in Toronto.
Then it was time to get ready to head off to my brother's house for Christmas 2 with my sister-in-law, Nana, Aunt Jody and Uncle Aaron, plus a dog. As per usual, we were running late --namely due to sleeping in and an untold amount of phone calls... Who the heck calls on Christmas morning? That's just rude (well, unless it is planned/expected). Personally, I wouldn't have bothered answering the phone myself, especially since two of the calls were from Nana and we were going to see her in a couple hours anyways *rolls eyes*
I was actually more a part of the conversation this year, probably because my SiL's mother wasn't there. When she does come, my nana talks to her, my mom and aunt talk, and the boys talk, thus leaving me with no one to talk to because even when i try to make a comment it goes ignored. Dinner was pretty good, turkey and mashed potatoes and other yummy stuff, plus pie or Christmas pudding for dessert. I had fun playing with the puppy, looking at photos from my bro's latest camping trip --lotsa sunsets and scenery-- plus secretly texting with friends and cousins.
Funnily enough, the best prezzies I got were from my bro and SiL: Epicure chocolate pudding mix (weird but addictive), a huge flower-themed calendar, a pack of pretty purple and pink inked pens, fuzzy socks, chocolate bars, as well as a chapters gift card for a birthday prezzie. My aunt and uncle gave me an address book (pretty but not useful), a tea sampler box and a tea-helper (I don't drink tea), and a big christmas mug that may or may not become a plant holder. My nana gave me a cheesy christmas movie that sounds boring and was going for a buck at G&T, a pair of earrings "in your birthstone" which was the wrong month's gem, a wallet-sized photo of her with my name spelled wrong on the back, a recipe book that was years old and from the cupboard she was cleaning out (it was ripped, torn, and cracked), plus a measuring cup set (also from her cupboards).
I know I shouldn't be selfish and it's the thought that counts, but it's just that it feels like very little thought was actually put into the gifts. My grandmother didn't even bother spelling my name right and was giving me things that she didn't want not caring that I wouldn't either. My aunt apparently still hasn't realized that I don't drink teas nor use scented products (last year's gift), and she gave my mother nearly the exact same things. My aunt used to give me soap from the health store she worked at, less than ten bucks but something I like and use because I am allergic to perfumes. They all know I like to crochet and read, so why not get me wool or book store gift cards or even make me something? Then I'll know they put even five minutes into the planning and were actually thinking of me.
I crocheted my Nana a christmassy table runner because hers was getting worn and dirty. I know from my aunt's reaction that I should make her something similar next year, albeit a different pattern and maybe different colours as well. I gave my aunt scented soaps and lotions because she's always using them, never waiting even until she's finished opening all her gifts before testing them out (much to my dismay). My uncle loves LPs so I painted him a record on a turntable, and he even smiled when he saw it, saying he loved it! (An amazing occurrence because he doesn't smile often). If I can put all that time and effort into gifts with my crazy schedule, I cannot understand why others don't. It tends to cheapen the holiday, the randomly buying of things because you feel obligated to get others gifts rather than wanting to do something for someone you care about.
BOXING DAY:
I was up most of the night reading because I was seriously wired from way too much chocolate and other sugary goodness, thus meaning I slept in until noon. Grabbing a couple home-made donuts for brunch I finished reading my book thus making it late afternoon. I was just getting out of the shower when I was told a friend from the play had stopped by. He was leaving town earlier than expected --stoopid brother/roommate wanted to return to Pborough-- and thus wasn't coming to the christmas party tonight, so he wanted to give me my birthday/christmas gift. I had put together a cd of christmas songs, including the radio show I love and told him about, while he gave me a bathrobe and slipper set! I knew how much he loved his robe and slippers, thinking everyone needs to have them but that I don't have 'em... so sweet! He got the sizing wrong, but it was still sweet of him.
After dinner, Buttercup and I went to the Ugly Sweater Party at Sunnie's parents' place. I dragged him along because I had a feeling I wasn't going to know anyone, and I was right. At least at first, for as the evening progressed some people I had a vague acquaintance with appeared. Until that time, I ended up chatting with a couple who I think may not have known anyone else either. He's in the Navy and she is in PR i believe she said... she likened it to Mad Men, but considering I have no idea what that is I had to make a guess by the things she said. It was somewhat amusing when they thought Buttercup and I were a serious couple, as Navy-guy (still no idea what his name is) asked if we would ever move out west where Buttercup's family lives or stay in the area. We both said, "we're just friends", and got a somewhat odd look. Can I help it that all my friends and i tend to be affectionate? We all hug, we lean on each other, whatever *shrug* We were standing near the door to the porch so I was cold and my feet hurt, leaning was a necessity.
Buttercup had to work the night shift, so I drove him home around 10pm before going back to the party. I almost didn't but Greg, Sunnie's bf, had broken out Apples to Apples and seven of us were playing. I asked Sunnie to fill in for me while I was gone, and decided to come back to finish the game. It wasn't long after my return that it was time for the Sweater Walk/Dance-Off. The prizes are for Worst Christmas Sweater, Worst Non-Christmas Sweater, Most Creative Sweater, and People's Choice (voted via ballot). Considering I just wore a hand-made sweater of my dad's I didn't get any prizes, and a good thing too as they are pretty hideous.
I left shortly thereafter as it was midnight, and it turns out a storm was blowing in. I was stupid and didn't wear a coat, thus had to brush off the car wearing no more than a knit sweater over a tee-shirt, jeans, and knee-high heeled boots; no mittens, scarf, coat, nuthin'. Needless to say I was absolutely freezing! Plus the car's seat-motor-thingie refused to work thus forcing me to resort to dad's obus form, and a couple of cushions just to reach the friggen pedals. Add that to slippery streets and falling sleet... yeah, it's probably a miracle I made it home safely.
TODAY:
Looking back on my christmas holiday, I say it didn't turn out too badly. Yeah, I could have done more awesome things like attend a ballet (someday), get a kiss under the mistletoe (which btw, buttercup and I were posed under one for a photo-op with no result other than a pic being taken), attend more parties, got better gifts, what have you. Yet on the other side of things, I got to see various family members and friends (though I still have one more christmas left to celebrate with my papa and donna, as well as one with Brandi), attended one party, gave and got some pretty awesome gifts, and there were no huge blow-ups with the parentals. All in all, I'd say it was a success. 
SUMR
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