The Good Christmas

 This morning Jonathan Ross tweeted asking everybody what their favorite Christmas toy was when they were younger. 

I started thinking about the presents of Christmases passed, and while I couldn't remember a specific toy that made me the most happy other than

- the stuffed bear I got when I was six months old that I still have today. (Boo-Boo, if you're reading this, happy 24th birthday in advance.)

- the Native American Barbie I got in 3rd grade that I think I was so excited about I nearly cried.

But the Christmas I do think about was when I was 12.

It was one of  the last Christmases that my parents were together, and while some of the details are fuzzy and I'm sure I'm confusing one Christmas with another, I do remember how fantastic it was. 

Santa brought me a giant cosmetic case filled with soaps and lotions and special creams. It also had my first shaver in it, which I was pretty excited about. I mean, hello, if this didn't make me a lady I don't know what would. 

I also got Trisha Yearwood's album "Songbook", a pair of black corduroy overalls and a plaid shirt to wear over it (hello mid-'90s), too. 

If I recall, we had a very, very good day. There was the special cheese dip my mom makes, leftover Lumpia that my dad made on Christmas Eve...

I think this is also the year my Dad became obsessed with putting together this 3D puzzle I got from one of my Aunts, but as I wasn't much of a puzzle person, my dad had a really good time with it. 

Whenever I remember that Christmas, it makes me really happy. I was completely ignorant that my family would change dramatically in the years to come. For the time being, we all seemed to be happy and content. There were loads of presents and it's by far one of my best memories from Christmases growing up...

Before making sure we squeezed in as much time as possible with my Mom before my Dad was (late) picking us up. Feeling incredibly guilty and anxiety-ridden that my Mom was by herself on Christmas day, not matter how much she says she "didn't mind, really,". 

But, now, as I've mentioned before, things have changed.

 Maybe it's the mince pies, maybe it's being with Iain, but regardless of the whys or the hows, I think Christmas and I can be friends again.

Comments

[healthy kitchen]

Merry Christmas!!! Have a wonderful X-mas..