An American Christmas

What a whirlwind! I arrived at the CVG airport in the afternoon of the 16th and it's been non-stop ever since. I was surprised at the airport by four of my best friends who were laden with Ohio Buckeyes (the candy) and chocolate covered pretzels. Not only that, but due to the snow on the ground (which hasn't melted at ALL since I've been home), they also had my winter coat, two sets of gloves, a scarf, and a hat. They are amazing. They would be one of the many many people I'd meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I don't think I've eaten at more restaurants in my LIFE. Mind you, I am not complaining, just noting.

After having a delicious dinner of homemade pizza and running errands the next day (helLO Target!), we headed up to see my aunt, uncle, cousins, and children of cousins. It was a loud, crazy, and super-fun day. There was great company of people I haven't seen in a long while, delicious food (that's a major theme for this trip so far), card games, fake presents, real presents...the works. At some points it felt a little too crazy...trying to find a card deck to play euchre proved to be more difficult than we thought, especially after Jon threw all the cards on the floor. Which the kids LOVED.

Throughout the next week or so I met friends for lunches or dinners or coffees or ice creams (that's right, I can't resist even though it's cold!) whenever I had time. I overscheduled myself a little bit and sometimes feel worn out, but there are so many people I want to see and thank for their support and just...get to see and hang out with and talk with. I've missed so much this past year and few months! My oldest nephew is almost 8 years old. The 6 year old is starting to lose his teeth. The 2.5 year old can walk/run/talk (a little bit)! Touchdown Jesus has BURNED DOWN!

I went to a Christmas party at my friends' house. It was a mini-high school reunion and I loved every minute of it. I don't know how most people do it, but my friends are almost exclusively from my high school. A few managed to slip in during college, and I love them just as much as I do my high school friends...but my core group is from high school. Our school had such a sense of community and we all bonded. My college didn't. I'm okay with that. Anyways, the party was filled with friends, traditional games, Christmas treats.

Then came the Christmas celebration with my family. It started on Christmas Eve with decorating sugar cookies. Christmas Day was different than usual because my sister had to work; we pushed the real celebration to the 26th (hereby dubbed "Christmas Plus"). We cooked together, baked cookies, pies, and cakes. We invited my aunt, uncle, and cousin down for dinner. We wrapped presents and exchanged them. We played card games and with toys. We watched Christmas movies. It was amazing and everything I was missing from last year.

I leave town next Tuesday afternoon...time is FLYING by and it's been surreal. Thanks to everyone for hanging out with me, or for understanding that I'm balancing time as best I can. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!