Home for the holidays

2008 brought us many changes. New digs. New neighborhood. New schools. New life - sort of. But with the new digs also brought us a new role, or at least one that hadn't been in effect since about 1997: Host of Christmas Present.

With mum feeling a bit under the weather of late and not really having the stamina for the yearly holiday hosting, we agreed to take it on and see where it all goes. It would be the first time that the humble abode would take on so many live bodies (instead of the usual "not-so-live" bodies?) indoors at one time. And with cold, cold weather in the forecast, we knew that it would be pretty cozy and everyone would need to be on their best behavior.

And I do believe it worked. There was much merriment in the household. Music drifted in and out; the aroma of warm food or cool desserts swirled through the kitchen, and the cold beers made regular appearances from the walk-in cooler once operating full-time as a garage. Yep, it was all quite enjoyable. Kids played well together -- with only the occasional "I'm bored..." spewing from the lips of some pre-teens. Nothing that wasn't handled with the click of a TV remote control. Hey, I'm not their parent, right? What do I care if they harmlessly watch some of the tube from the back room.

All in all, a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. And grandma went home when SHE wanted to -- not having to wait for everyone to leave, as she would have had to do in past years. Hopefully she found it to be to her liking. And we'll just see what 2009 offers.

And how did Su make out? Wonderfully, as usual. Some of her favorites are shown here. The digital drum set was a fun surprise for her. Cheap entertainment and not much volume. Good combination for beginning drummers.

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The day before (Christmas Eve) was spent out at Anita's parents' place. It's been our 20 year tradition to travel down there for the holiday eve and spend the following day here locally. And it's worked out so well all of these years. Never a conflict in scheduling between parents. Never having to do the "two Christmas" thing like some families. A full day dedicated to each side of the family.

Christmas Eve always ends up being the more relaxing of the days for me. Anita's family tends to get along really well. It's been that way for several years. None of the same tension that seems to come with my own family gatherings. It almost seems -- dare I say -- normal? Good conversation, good food, and just a lot of fun watching Su play with her cousins.

And sometimes, depending on the Bowl schedules, you even get to catch a glimpse of a Notre Dame football game -- and witness their first bowl victory in what seems like decades.

And the weather cooperated with us, too. The predictions for a snow-filled day and messy travel were squelched and all we really had to contend with were strong winds that reduced gas mileage in the Santa Fe considerably. Other than that, a pretty uneventful trip to and from. You have to like that.

And after a full day of running around, eating, and opening gifts, the drive home was a quiet one. Su was fast asleep within about 10 minutes -- and mom followed a short time after that.

Yep. It can be lonely being dad. Or just quiet. Happy holidays.