(no subject)
Christmas was a little different this year. We skipped Christmas Eve dinner with my dad's side of the family because my mom's had some health issues and needs to be very careful and observant about what she eats. Also I got off work at 5:15 and was pretty tired. My dad, mom and Derek came to pick me up at my apartment. They got to see my tree and we drank some tea and watched a bit of Spirited Away together. They drove me home, we ate some dinner, and I immediately cuddled up with Mina kitty and went to sleep (at about 9, mind you, I was so worn out).
Christmas morning I woke up at about 7 and had some coffee and a cinnamon roll with my dad. The tradition in our family is that we don't start opening gifts or stockings until everyone is awake, so we were all waiting on my brother. He tends to keep odd hours, often sleeping for most of the day, but on Christmas he is usually able to crawl out of bed in the morning. I waited and waited, played some Mario Kart Wii with dad, 10:30 rolled by, no Derek. We all went into his room and tried to wake him, but no luck. He would just mumble and roll over. 1:30 came and my mom's family arrived. I got to meet my new second cousin Kaila (such a cutie). My grandma on my dad's side stopped by for a bit with my great aunt and uncle from Canada. Dinner was nice. We opened some gifts. Derek finally got up and took a shower, but immediately left without saying anything. Long story short, we didn't end up opening gifts from Santa or the immediate family until my mom's family had left (with the exception of Aunt Trish - she stayed the night), at about 8:30pm. Latest Christmas ever. Thanks for the torture, Der. Lol.
Anyway, I got Derek some artist pens, watercolors, brushes, and a palate. For Mom I had an HDMI cable to connect her laptop to the tv and a nice patterned apron she picked out at my work. I got Dad a Giants World Series Champion cap, pin, and rally rag. They were really pleased as far as I could tell, and that made me happy because I put a lot of thought into gifts this year.
Here are the lovely things people got me this year.
Mom and Dad got me the Diana+ Parisian Edition.
They also got me this nice "Pocket Device" notebook from Smitten Kitten. The paper inside is varied white, colored, grid, and lined. :D Mom also got me an Instyler. Gonna test it out later to see if it works.
Derek got me ten of these cast iron elf candle holders from CB2 as well as the ornaments at the top of the post. And apparently there are more CB2 ornaments on the way!
Our family friend Skip sent me a Nikon F from the 60s with a bunch of accessories! I've never used an SLR, but I am excited and ready to teach myself and learn from James.
An extra lens, a shutter release cable, and an original instruction manual.
Another lens with a case.
A light meter with a case.
In my stocking Santa put two pots of Mocha Rose lip balm and a can of Trader Joe's Peppermint Hot Chocolate (I've been hoarding cans of this all December, because they don't carry it year round.) Santa also gave me some candy, Starbucks gift cards, and a Hot Headz which will go directly in my Zombie Apocalypse kit. How interesting that Santa loves HSN just like my mom!
Grandma got me a cute wallet, earrings, a bracelet and some cash. Lovely! And perfect for NYE! Or, you know, all the time.
She also got me a really nice grey cashmere sweater! And Aunt Maggie got me a fuchsia cashmere scarf. Mmmmm, soft. :3
Uncle John and Christine got me soap, a loofah, a rubber duckie and some cash.
Grammie got me some nice flannel pajamas, a Trader Joe's gift card, socks and tights, and some Bath & Body Works hand soap.
Guenther & Jeff (my bosses, owners of the store I work in) gave everyone a $100 Trader Joe's gift card. I love this. It'll pay for my groceries for almost 3 weeks.
I am so fortunate to have such generous and loving family and friends.I hope you all are enjoying your holiday season, that all of you who celebrate Christmas had a happy one, and have a good time for the rest of December.
Previously:
Gift exchange with James.
Photos from fall and my Christmas tree.