kerravonsen | God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Reply)

Christmas.

Again, as seems usual, my guests woke up before I did, but then these are holidays and I'm trying to make the most of that. (And besides, I was up late last night. And I finished reading "Red Rabbit", the latest Tom Clancy that my brother lent me) They went off for a walk while I gathered myself together, and then we exchanged gifts. My present of a "spy scope" to my nephew went down very well, he got totally absorbed in it and ignored us all until we went over to Mum & Dad's place. But before that, we had a go at decorating the tree. We didn't finish (there are still decorations un put) but it looks fairly nice. Then again, I have lots of decorations; my tree is usually smothered in them by the time they are all up.

Ten Ay Em was the time designated for the rendezvous at Mum & Dad's place for the extended family presents -- basically everyone who'd been at the dinner the night before, apart from my sister-in-law's parents. Mum had the brilliant idea of having a box for every "grouping" (ie couples got one box together, but children got one box alone) so that the presents would be pre-sorted for "Father Christmas" to pick from -- and also the fact they were on the big table meant that they were out of reach (mostly) of the toddler. Very wise.

I was designated "Father Christmas" and the younger kids were helpers -- taking the gift to the person it was for. I sat in a swivel chair in front of the table and decided who would get a gift next and when. We like to be able to see what everyone is getting, so we can all admire what's been given, and see people's reactions to what we've given, which is rather difficult to do if everyone's madly opening presents in a free-for-all. It is more blessed to give than to receive and all that. After all, if the only part of the presents you see are your own, then it tends to be a me me me me sort of occassion, and I think that spoils it. Yeah, younger kids are mostly interested in what they get, but they sure want to see what Mum and Dad think of their gifts too. And I admit I'm more interested in what people think of what I've given them, than what I get.

Anyway, we had a bit of a slow start, but then I speeded things up a bit. Highlights: the huge chopping board which B-I-L made for brother, and the small, elegant and beautiful board which B-I-L gave to The Aunts. Aunt Elizabeth lamented later that she wouldn't ever be able to use it, because it was too nice to cut things on, wherapon I suggested that she use it for a cheeseboard at parties -- that's what I do with the lovely board which B-I-L gave me a few years ago. Another eye-opener was the ravishing shawl (rainbow-coloured burnt velvet) given to Mum from brother's family. They were also giving people some lovely square glass dishes. Mum was also very pleased with an enormous gardening book -- I wonder if it was in large print? I don't know who it was who gave Dad the satin boxer shorts, but they were amusingly appropriate -- they were covered with playing cards.
I'm happy to say that my niece was very pleased with the hand-made and designed (by me) bead loom bracelet I gave her, which used to belong to me but is now too small. Another bit of jewelry I'd made went down really well too -- my sister-in-law put it on straight away, as it went with what she was wearing. (This was the tiger's eye necklace I'd made just before Christmas).
One thing which had tickled my parents' fancy, so they gave some to almost everybody, was these little packets of something which was apparently called "waybread" (yes, everyone here is into Tolkien -- you think we discovered him on our own? No, you must blame my parents). It was these wafers of black stuff which seemed to be made up mostly of sesame seeds, but was lightly sweet. Strange. They also gave me a set of liquor glasses (lovely cut glass, but so cute as so small) and a bottle of Baileys. Yes, the word is getting around folks, that's the only "drink" I like. Most of the time I teetotle. Except I don't like tea or coffee either, and dislike most fizzy drinks. I'm a cordial connosuer. (I don't think it's likely that anyone will give me any exotic cordials any time soon though, because I seem to be the best one at finding them)

After the presents were done, we had some refreshment and chatting, and then the bulk of the party departed to have a picnic at Ringwood Lake. I declined, because I figured I wouldn't have that great a time, what with my foot and all. I and the Aunts ended up staying for lunch with Mum and Dad; a simple summer lunch out on the patio under the shade-umbrella, looking at Mum's lovely garden, with a light breeze and bright sun.

Then I went back home; I nearly didn't get back in again, because I'd lent my keys to my sister and she hadn't given them back, and I nearly couldn't find the spare key, which is so well-hidden it has been known to be lost for more than a year. Unfortunately I think I'll have to do a different method, because the keys were all dirty and the keyring is getting rusty.

But despite all that, I did manage to enter my domicile and write this.