Christmas Celebrations

Christmas Eve was at my aunt's house as usual. My aunts, uncles, cousins, grandfather, parents and aunt's friend gathered in Culver City. There was turkey, ham, pasta salad, roasted potatoes, steamed veggies and Chinese sticky rice for dinner. My cousins and I caught up with eachother's lives over dinner. One had just moved back from Syracuse with her fiancee after being out there for about three years. Another was still travelling the world as a computer specialist for the Navy, and another was working for a consulting firm after graduating college last June. For dessert there was a huge custard fruit tart, Krispy Kreme donuts, and festive Christmas cookies to be accompanied with either coffee, tea, various liquers on the rocks or black muscat wine.

After dessert, everyone opened their presents. I got a bunch of bath gels, lotions, and a greeting cards set from my relatives. My parents got me a cool, new digital camera.

The next day, I went to the Boy's house to watch his little nieces and nephew open their gifts from us. The two three year olds tore through their gifts, squealing with excitement the whole time. The one year old sort of poked around at hers and slowly ripped away pieces of wrapping, smiling each time she ripped a portion away. For the rest of the time, the kids played with their new toys and bickered amongst eachother about who got the better toys.