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December 30, 2008
Christmas Recap
Having already enjoyed five Christmases, we drove north to Andover, north of Boston, for Christmas proper. My mother lives there with Dean, and each of my three siblings flew in from points distant to share in the holiday cheer. Things were festive in the expected ways.
There was a large, well-decorated tree.
Beneath which were presents.
Next year Alden might understand the concept of opening presents. This year, her chosen approach was climbing on top and trying to intimidate them.
One of the presents retaliated.
When Iggy saw this, she resolved not to open hers, in spite of being very, very tempted.
We had Christmas cookies.
Which were, apparently, very delicious.
And traditional Christmas Eve spaghetti and meatballs.
And Christmas Day cinnamon rolls. My mother only made two plates of them. And yet, as it turns out, I was expected to share.
My sister Andy, home from Haiti, where she lives and teaches, gave Alden this hat that resembles an old-time football helmet.
Alden, who is accustomed to being able to grab her ears at will, was unnerved by the hat.
My sister Lindsay, visiting from Portland, showed up the day after Christmas with my nephew Orin in tow.
Orie is a good little man, about seven-and-a-half months old.
Alden loves Orie. To demonstrate her affection, she beat the crap out of him.
Despite being two months younger, Orie outweighs her by a good six pounds. But she's quick. And mean.
The cousins made amends at mealtime.
Alden was so relieved to have her ears back that she forgot her conquest to dominate Orie and make him cry. Isn't that, at essence, what Christmas is all about?
Posted by bogenamp at December 30, 2008 11:27 PM