Catching Up

Thanksgiving
We pretty much did the same thing we do every year only this time Hubby was there too even though once again he wasn’t feeling well. So first we all went to his Aunt and Uncle’s house and ate there with the family and then we had to leave early as usual so we could make it to my Aunt’s house for food with that side of the family. I think one of our uncle’s showed up late do to a morning hospital visit at our first gathering and our older sister wasn’t there yet by the time we left. The food at both places was really good and pretty traditional. There was turkey and Hubby even got to make his own Tofurkey and I had a slice or two. It was very good stuff. Not much important talking was at any of the places and the usual religious family debate that goes on at these events with my grandparents, dad and others didn’t happen this year. Probably a good thing since I am sure it would upset my little cousin. He is still the most behaved perfect boy I have ever met. I am always glad to see him since the other little boy (my nephew) whom I see quite often is a little monster. So mostly for that day we just hung out with family like most people do on Thanksgiving.

Christmas
Hubby and I skipped the tree decorating this year but we both did go to the family dinner on Christmas Eve and stuffed our faces and put up with noisy rambunctious kids. I ended up having to hold my little niece in the back room while “Santa” was arranging the presents around the tree for the surprise. The little girl just would not stop crying until she saw her grandma even though her mom was in the room with us. I got a gift card and some cash for my present which I was very happy to receive.

The next morning on Christmas Day at our place with everyone there we all opened presents and took pictures and threw the wrapping paper at the kids for fun. As usual the place was a big mess that day. Hubby arranged cookies on the front table and some fruit for all to enjoy and we just talked and laughed while opening our gifts. I got two perfect purple tops, some fuzzy socks, a Sudoku calendar, plenty of chocolate, some star Santa dangly earrings, more hand sanitizer, a keychain light, more gift cards, and a few other things that were very nice. My mom and stepdad were with us this time and we all got stockings as usual but my mom was surprised she got one too.

The funny thing that happened this year is that the box that usually holds the wrapping paper was taken by me and Hubby so we could wrap up Mom’s present since it was the only one big enough to hold it. The wrapping paper ended up going into a smaller box that then also disappeared some how so they ended up in a large plastic bag by the time Christmas came. That morning when Mom opened her present she was like, “Oh, that is what happened to the wrapping paper box.” And when I opened mine Hubby was like, “Oh, that is what happened to the other one.” It was pretty funny at the time and I don’t think I am telling the story right but oh well, we all had fun.

That afternoon it was time to go to my Aunt’s house for that side of the family’s gathering and we got there just as the food was being served so we were right on time. Dad put on the TV the Yule Log and after we ate we all sang the carols that go along with it. My favorite present was Grandpa’s who gave me enough money to renew my Guard card since it was to expire on the 31st. I was so thankful! The cutest moment was when my perfect little cousin got into one of the Christmas bags like he was the present inside. It was soooo cute! We all took pictures.