Holiday rundown

I finished my shopping, mailing and decorating just in time to actually enjoy the holidays. And tonight as I'm sitting on the couch watching my tree light up I find myself suffering a bit with the post holiday blues. So I decided to share some of my big memories of this holiday, some good some not so much...but all of them are now imprinted forever in my memory box.

1. Shopping with my dad the day before Christmas Eve. I was expecting some attitude and frustration from my dad as a result of not knowing what to get my mom. But honestly, it was the exact opposite! We shopped, find the exact items he imagined her opening, we laughed, we had lunch and even a cocktail with a toast!

2. Baking cookies with my mom and getting ready for the big Christmas Eve party at my house. We wore matching aprons, danced to music, had a cocktail (are you seeing a theme) and laughed out loud.

3. Hosting 16 people (family) for Christmas Eve and enjoying every minute. Even Fred did a great job and we had no issues.

4. Sentimental toast! My dad stood up at dinner, toasted to his family...dad, brother, sister, wife, kids, grand kids...everybody! He wished my grandmother was still alive to share this memory. He cried and my brother stood up and walked over to his side, hugged him and helped him finish the toast.

5. Opening presents with my parents on Christmas morning! We got each other fun gifts. My parents planned a trip for all of us to go and see a show, drive to see my aunt, celebrate big...and relax! My parents are so sweet.

6. I put on a new outfit (size 8 again, finally)! I did my new hair style, put on make-up and went to my grandmothers house with my parents to celebrate Christmas evening. And within ten minutes of being there, one of my uncles walked up to me and told me that I looked fat and he was sure that nobody would ever find me attractive! SMACK! And at that very second, I walked away and cried in the next room for 5 minutes. Finally, my mom and dad came to find out what had happened and I shared the story. My dad wiped my tears, my mom called him a fucking asshole! And we walked back into the party again. A few hours later I saw both of my parents take my uncle aside and have very strong words! Thanks for defending me...I needed that boost.

7. Taking family pictures and having both my brother and sister-in-law hold my hands and stick together.

8. Surviving...this was a big holiday and I survived. It was the first Christmas without Chester. And it was the first Christmas with Fred. Spent time with my family...and also missed my family.

Overall...I felt the spirit and enjoyed all of the time with my family. Merry Christmas!