Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

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Well, the big day has finally arrived! I celebrated Christmas a day early with my family. We had dinner and a gift exchange at my parents' house -- my youngest brother's girlfriend cooked a ham, I made the green bean casserole, and my sister made mashed potatoes and gravy and homemade cranberry sauce. We also had a homemade lemon and raspberry cheesecake for dessert (also cooked by my brother's girlfriend) and some figgy pudding (which is actually more like a bread or cake than what we Americans consider "pudding.") The food was delicious, and my family spoiled each other with gifts. My partner ended up heading home a little early, as he was feeling tired and wanted to go home and relax. I stayed behind at my parents' and played a game of Cards Against Humanity with my siblings, their partners, and my mom. It was a lot of fun and my dad kept wandering through the kitchen (where we were playing) making off-the-wall comments that made us all laugh. All in all it was a great get-together. My youngest brother and his girlfriend dropped me off at home on their way back to their own apartment. My partner and I exchanged gifts around 2 a.m., since we're both still up and probably won't have time to open gifts later, as we'll be rushed to go to his family's for Christmas dinner. My partner gave me the biggest surprise of them all. Over the years I have learned not to expect much from him, gift-wise. He jokes that he likes to give me "the gift of disappointment." This year I was definitely NOT disappointed! He gave me a little hippo figure, as is our tradition (because I always say I want a hippopotamus for Christmas.) And he also got me a RING!! He has never given me a nice ring before (he did once give me a cheap ring from Walmart, but I lost it many moons ago) and I definitely was NOT expecting one for Christmas! I asked him what it meant and he said "it's a ring from me to you." Hey, I'll take it! After 10 years together it's nice that he got me something to show his love. The ring is a bit too big, but he said we can have it resized. I am really happy right now. So far this has been the best Christmas that I've ever had. And that is my wish for all of you -- that you have the best Christmas (or however you celebrate) ever. And if you don't celebrate, well I still hope you have a wonderful day.