Friday, December 28

Lingering

If you've ever wondered just what it might be like to celebrate Christmas with a houseful of comedians, then I am warmly extending the invitation to you to join us next season.

It's been a laugh factory around here as we planned, purchased and executed the frivolity around our house.

I will sum up.

Traditionally, we put our names into a hat, a box, or a bathrobe pocket--we're not all that particular--and exchange with one another the wish list we've created. With name and list in hand, we then plan and shop for the person we've selected. The spending limit is 25 euros. It's meant to be a way for all of us to single out one other of us and select something meaningful for that person.

I got Andrew this year.
Andrew got Emma.
Emma got me.
Don got Ian.
Ian got Don.

Don worked feverishly on his list before folding his paper and placing it into the upturned baseball cap. As he scribbled, he asked only one question: "what is the spending limit?"
His list read something like this:

The things I want for Christmas--
One 20 euro bill and one 5 euro bill, or
Two 10 euro bills and one 5 euro bill, or
Three 5 euro bills and one 10 euro bill, or
Two fifty cent coins, one 2 euro coin, two 1 euro coins, and two 10 euro bills

OR

One Folbot folding Kayak, 1500 euros plus shipping.

So we all did our shopping bit and when Christmas morning rolled around there was a grand buildup of excitement in the air in anticipation of presenting family gifts.

Andrew got police cars and firetrucks.
Emma got a discoball lamp. (Really. Andrew was certain this was THE gift for his sister.)
Ian got some cool new clothes and a game for his playstation.
I opened my gift to find this note:

Dear Mom,
First of all I want you to know, whatever I say from now on is in a Spanish accent.
What, oh, what could your gift be?
So little and small and tineee.
I know you will like it, it came from my heart, and the 25 euros dad gave me, but mostly from my heart.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Emma

Don's gift was double or perhaps triple wrapped with this note taped to the outside of the second layer:

Fulbot Folding Kayak
Size: Extra extra extra extra small (xxxs)
Color: Blue
Capacity: Your big toe
Dimensions: 5" x 2"
Warning!
Not for ACTUAL use!
Precautions: Keep away from water! If kayak comes into contact with any form of water, the kayak will disintegrate immediately.


We made merry with our giggles and then merry again with our guffaws. I am beginning to think that they who coined the phrase "Happy Christmas" had premonitions of just how it would roll at our house.

Here's hoping we keep Christmas in our hearts all year.

12 comments:

  1. It sounds like you all truly "made Merry"--what a wonderful memory you have all created for years to come. Pleased to hear you all had such a warm and wonderful holiday.

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  2. What fun you all had. Love and laughter is the greatest present of all and it sounds like you got both. Good to see you back here. I missed you. (((HUGS)))

    Jan

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  3. Oooh my dad was also famous when I was small for his joke presents. Hilarious isn't it. good fun that remains in the memories :)

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  4. What fun! And I heard the Spanish accent.

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  5. Wow, someone else who actually knows what a Folbot is. My dad has two, the greedy thing. He built his first one from scratch and then his new one is folding like the one your husband likes.

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  6. Seems like lots of fun! I think I'll have to blog about our gag gift exchange... that was also fun! I'm glad it was a good time at the Taylor house!

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  7. Just found your website and love it!
    I would LOVE to move to the Netherlands!!! I am from CT and other than having some Dutch friends here and their family THERE, have no other connections there. As something to do (long story) I decided about 11 months ago to learn Dutch!!! I am completely obsessed and figure the only way to truly become fluent is to move there! So I find your site fascinating!!!
    I look forward to keeping up with you and your family!!!
    Denise

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  8. Just found your website and love it!
    I would LOVE to move to the Netherlands!!! I am from CT and other than having some Dutch friends here and their family THERE, have no other connections there. As something to do (long story) I decided about 11 months ago to learn Dutch!!! I am completely obsessed and figure the only way to truly become fluent is to move there! So I find your site fascinating!!!
    I look forward to keeping up with you and your family!!!
    Denise

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  9. Sounds likes fun was had by all. We've had a relaxing and lazy holiday season. It's just what the doctor ordered!

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  10. haha. This is so classic. I love my Taylors! :)

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  11. hahahahahahaha. That sounds like such a blast.

    And I TOTALLY want a discoball lamp. Seriously.

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  12. What a great and happy Christmas! So much fun.

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