Christmas 2013

“Twas a cold Yuletide evening, and I wandered the stacks, shelving multiple titles that the patrons brought back. We toiled overtime at our library here, 'cause the powers that be cut our staffing this year.” ― David Davis, Librarian's Night Before Christmas

This Christmas was a good one.  Mike, the kids, and I spent it over at my sister Jeri's.  Unfortunately, the quality of the photos aren't great but the memories were.

No Cookies for Santa

“Cookies are made of butter and love.” – Norwegian Proverb

It's the first year ever with no cookies for Santa or glittery oatmeal for the reindeer.  As a matter of fact, no Santa is expected, and no gifts from Santa under the tree.  That's relieving on the bank account, but not my heart. 

Our home life has been in turbulence between me, my partner, and my teenaged daughter.  Earlier in the year, we were in counseling, mainly for her, but also as a family.  In an explosive and agitated state, defering from the reason why were in counseling, my kids' father stated that I keep babying the youngest and abruptly said, "There's no such thing as Santa." 

My son handled it well, but I felt so bad for him, because at 9 years old (he just turned 10 three months ago), he still believed. I actually didn't know how to make him not believe, and wasn't sure if I should ever break him the news, or would he just grow out of it, or would kids at school tell him.  It was such a harsh way of breaking it to him.  His answer was, "It's ok, I knew it anyway," which was a lie.  My son really believed.  He even told me he had a falling out with his best friend because his friend said, "Santa is fake."  

On the other hand, it makes me sad that my children are all big. My daughter has 1 year left before she's an adult, my son Kalib has less than 4 years, and Chris has 8 more years.  I don't know how much longer we will be a family unit under one household with the sad feelings I have as of late.

Santa's the Man

 

I was invited to a company party and Mike and I decided to take a photo with Santa Claus.  I don't care, Santa Claus makes everything better.

This Christmas was my first time trying Cabernet Sauvignon.  I thought I might as well be a little bit grown up.  I'm very shy, actually, and I'm also very picky about what I eat and drink.  So, I decided a little bit of wine would be me partaking in someone else's Christmas traditions.  I opened my mind.

The best part of the whole party, though, is Santa Claus.  I will forever love the Santa part of my Christmases.  

Candy and Flowers

I never took a picture of them, but I received poinsettias and a gift certificate to See's candies, today.  My client, Janet, gave me the best gift ever.  I was not expecting that at all.  This is one of the perks of being a massage therapist with an established clientele.  I have been doing this for so long, and have really mastered my craft.  It no longer feels like work but a way of life.

Slippin' Slidin' in my Socks

My mom is not one who really understands Christmas, because when she was a child in Korea, they didn't celebrate the holiday in her Buddhist household.  Skip to America, she shops for Christmas, and she always gives something small, because she wants to make sure everyone gets something from her.  Small usually means, a pair of socks, a package of underwear, or nail polish.  It's the thought that counts.  She's trying.

This Christmas past, my mother gave me a package of soft and fuzzy slipper socks.  I have been wearing them and they are the bomb when I'm in my shoes.  They aren't anything like the ones offered in the hospital.  They are cushy and soft.

However, they easily slip off when I'm sleeping.  For instance, this morning, I got out of bed to turn .my alarm clock off, which I keep across the room, and although the socks stick to the floor, I freakin' slipped IN my socks and fell on my butt.

Only me.