Family Stuff and Inside Jokes December 25, 2002 - 1:48 p.m.

This Christmas morning was different that any other I've experienced.

Chris was the 'excited little boy' that ran around seeing if everyone was awake at 6:30 in the morning.

Okay, so he came to play on the computer and his mom ended up being awake and asked him to check. But it was still a cute image.

Being half awake myself and realizing that 3/4 of the house was awake themselves and eager to open gifts, I figured it best to get up and dressed.

6:30 am. And the four of us (Chris, his mom and brother, and myself) are sat on his floor opening presents like a scene from A Christmas Story. As a matter of fact, I believe we had that exact movie playing on the tv.

Around 8ish, presents were unwrapped. 'Toys' were being played with and breakfast was on the stove. Eggs. Bacon. Chocolate chip pancakes. Breakfast together after gift giving.

It was all quite movie like.

Then we all decided a nap was a splendid idea. About 3 hours long. After which we woke up, got dressed, started preparing food, and are slowly heading next door where Chris' uncle lives and will be having dinner.

Some people may read this and think 'But that's an ordinary Christmas morning'.

Not where I grew up.

I had a mother that would make us wait in the basement all Christmas day while she finished wrapping presents. This meant my brother and I wouldn't unwrap presents until eight in the evening. I kid you not. At which point my mom was liking to fall asleep. So much for a family gathering.

I don't remember a time that I ever believed there was a Santa Claus.

In her defence... I believe she had things handled while we were living in the apartment. Things wrapped and ready by generally 9 am. Our 'delayed' Christmas didn't start occurring until we moved into the house, when I was eight. So I was still young enough for it to have a lasting impression on me.

Over the years the 'delay' has only grown. It's gone from hours, to literally weeks, months, and sometimes full on cancellations.

This year is forgivable considering the complete lack of money. But years prior... I don't see a valid excuse.

Woah. Look at me. Digressing like a madman. Er, woman. Whatever.

So yeah, it was nice to have that 'family-esque' Christmas morning that I feel I've been missing out on.

And last night was just as pleasant, spending the evening with Chris at his aunt's house. Simple conversation. Mundane food. But family stuff and inside jokes. A good time for all.

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