Merry Christmas!
There's always this huge build-up to Christmas, the rush of picking out the prefect gifts, making cookies, planning this and that... and then it's all over.
First, have you all seen the Google logo doodles? So cute. Hee!
On to Christmas. I had a very nice holiday this year. Tuesday night was the Christmas dinner/food drive with The Gang. Real good to see everyone. Emily did an excellent job organizing everything at Famous Dave's. Food was good, company was great... lots of fun.
I worked Christmas Eve. It was a good day until near the end, when I got "talked to" about something. Grrr. Hate getting in trouble, and this "thing" was not even all my fault. What I hate even more than getting in trouble is the way my boss does it. She made me feel like a complete incompetent idiot, and even said that I was a valuable contributor to the team, insinuating that if I was not, I might not have a job. Way to put me in the Christmas spirit. I have never, ever gotten in trouble at work, I put in 100% effort (almost) all the time, and I take pride in my work ethic, thoroughness, and productivity. To have someone point out one instance when I (along with others, mind you) may not have been at my best, on Christmas Eve, did not put me in the holiday spirit.
And, AND. The Boss did nothing to thank us for the holidays. I don't think bonuses have come out, if we're getting them at all, but those things come from above. The other departments all had a Christmas party, catered, last Friday. If we ever celebrate anything, it's always pot luck. I thought, given that Wednesday was the slowest. day. ever and one of the tellers arranged some Christmas games and a Secret Santa, we might at least get bagels or something from The Boss. But nothing. No thank-you for a good year, nada. Zilch. Way to feel appreciated.
Oo, and what a way for ME to put YOU all in the holiday spirit! My deepest apologies. Back on track, Kate, back on track.
So. Christmas Eve. AFTER work, it was a very good day. The cousins did not come in from Kansas City this year, which was sad. One of my dad's coworkers joined us for Christmas Eve dinner, as he really didn't have anyone else to spend the holidays with, so that was nice. Both sets of grandparents, my great aunt and uncle, and Dad's friend were here. The fact was not lost on me that all our guests are of age to collect Social Security. ;) But it was fun. We did the usual, dinner, reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, singing carols around the tree, and finishing up with Silent Night to candlelight. Then everyone but my mom's parents went home, and the six of us went to the candlelight service of church. It's a very pretty service.
It was a very successful Christmas, as well. I got a carry-on suitcase so that I can have my OWN when I TRAVEL. Love traveling. Watched the Disney Christmas Parade this morning, and it made me miss WDW SO MUCH. Have to go back soon. And use my new suitcase! I got a really pretty ring to replace the one I smashed when looking through extremely heavy framed posters for my dad, and two beautiful necklaces.
The best gift, by far, was the CD player Jess and I got for my grandparents. I gave them two CDs at the beginning of the morning, which they liked, but were a bit confused on (the only CD player they had was in the car). Then, after everything had been opened, we brought out the CD player. They were so surprised!! They've never owned such a thing. It was a priceless moment trying to teach my grandma how to work it. To think I bought that particular one because I thought it would be EASIEST to use! I can't imagine what would have happened had I gone for a different one. She finally got the hang of it, and promptly got up to dance with my grandfather to one of her favorite Anne Murray songs. A Christmas moment to remember forever!
All in all, a good day. The only slight hitch was going to my aunt's house (40 minutes away) and forgetting ALL the gifts at home. Oops! My dad had to go back for them. What a stand-up guy he is! But it was good to see everyone once again. Being that this *might* be my last Christmas living here, I'm glad everyone was so happy this year, and that I got to see so much of my family.
Hope you all had a great day, too! I know it's almost over, but a little something I made playing around with PSP: