The humbug did its best to strike this year, it really did. I must say that December blew by faster than ever before and allowing humbug into my season was partially my fault. Fortunately, there are forces in the world greater than I!!
It begins Christmas Eve...
I had to work. That shouldn't be a problem since I always work holidays. Except this Christmas Eve kind of, well, for lack of a better word, sucked. Our show was over at 3pm on the 24
th and the last customer left shortly thereafter. BUT, because the mall closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, I had to stick around with my thumb up my you-know-what for the better part of 3 hours waiting for the last cash drawer to come in. The boss, whom I shall now and ever forward call "Ebeneezer" for obvious reasons stated on many occasions that I am the closer, that's what I do. I shan't bore you with any more details, computer and server breakdowns, other than to say that he could have closed for me as he ultimately left only a few minutes before I did. Did I say
ol' Ebeneezer has no family or outside friends? He easily could have stayed. Needless to say that when I finally left, it was too late, I was too tired and too cranky to join my family for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner at my brother's house.
I left work. I was wicked hungry too. I called my roommate and asked if he'd "et yet". He said no. I called the local eatery "Clydes" and found that they were open regular hours, kitchen til midnight and bar til 1:30 last call! It was off to Clydes. Here the forces of Christmas started to work their magic. When I arrived, the place was a madhouse! It was packed... except for this 2 top table with very comfortable stuffed chairs. The place was abuzz with Christmas parties and reunions of all kinds. Then came our waiter, Michael T. Not a cheerier fellow could I find! He was happy to be working Christmas Eve and the delight showed. Then came the strands of Christmas music. I thought it was live, my roommate said surely it was canned. I made mention to the delightful Michael T. and he confirmed that it was truly live, some kids from the local high school were caroling in the restaurant.
When the carolers made their way to our table, I was eager to hear their music. They handed out their "menu" of songs. Within all the Christmas music I found a jem, "The Silver Swan". They squeeled with delight as no one had ever requested that and it was a favorite. I asked if I could sing along, again they were delighted. The pitch pipe blew and I joined the basses with confidence. I remembered every note from my days of singing this classic madrigal in high school 30 years ago. We talked shop for a bit and the kids then moved on. Christmas was saved!
I got to join my family on Christmas Day. Sadly, I was informed that my neice, her husband and son would not be able to join us at my brother's house. After catching up a bit, we exchanged gifts. I saved the best for last. When all was opened, my brother David and I broke into the St. Lucius peanut rum that I had given. After the toast was sipped, I brought out one last gift for the family. I had our family videos transferred to DVD. We sat and watched ourselves as we looked in 1989 and 1992. There were birthday parties, a 4th of July pool party and a couple of Christmases. In the middle of it all, my niece and her family showed up! Surprise! It turned out to be a terriffic and blessed day.
It's better to give than to receive but the best thing I got was a new digital camera from Kristi and a book by Guy Fieri from the Food Network Channel called Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives from my roommate.
Pictures from my Christmas:
Great nephew Andy
Brother Dave and Sister-In-Law Angelika
Stout Republican husband to my niece, Jerry
Nephew Christopher, Angelika, Dave and Niece Natascha
Love you mom. Miss you...
