Holiday Hodgepodge

My trunk was packed. Winter break had finally begun and I was more than ready to hit the road. However, instead of traveling the same road home, like most do during the holidays, each year I embark on quiet the convoluted holiday hodgepodge. Every three days it seems I am in a new place, visiting a different family friend. 

This year, not surprisingly, I took the first chance I got to visit Damon in Santa Cruz. He and I spent almost a week with each other: grocery shopping, making breakfast, walking downtown, holiday gift searching. We decorated a tree at Galen's new place with practically his whole immediate family and I even schooled them in a game of Alien Frontiers. A few days later, Galen regained his honor by schooling us in Settlers of Catan. Did I mention this was after I royally dusted them at Cloud 9? Damon and I finished off the exciting week with a home cooked and beautifully concocted Christmas dinner. Even though I was still feeling sick the whole time, the visit was lovely and I was happy o stay as long as I did. 

The day after I left, I left with Lisa and Chelsea for our hometown. No surprise we visited the Lichtmans first. Being the closest family we have basically, they are always a must-see when we come into town. And the reunion was great. Rachel had just gotten back from D.C. and was feeing the effects of culture shock upon returning--a feeling I am all-to familiar with, still, two years later. The best part of this adventure was reuniting with my friends from high school. I can hardly describe the delight I get when spending any amount of time with Tony, Steve, Pun, Mia, Brian, Natalie, Rachel and Alan, expect to say that I put up with two bars until 2am to socialize with them. Glad that I did because I ran into a truckload more of friends I haven't kept in touch with too. 

Christmas was spent with Mike's family, probably the most loving, affectionate and traditional family I've ever met. With presents under the tree with our names on them, Lisa and I were shocked at how thoughtful his family was to us. Granted I am the sister of their son's longterm girlfriend, I still felt grateful that we were completely welcome in their house. The company was great. Each night we played Catch Phrase with the whole family and watched sports, movies and t.v. shows together before dinner. At dinner we made jokes and laughed and reminisced about our earliest Christmas memories. I think that if I had grown up with any family, I would have liked it to be the McCleans. I know it sounds cheesy, but you just know the family loves each other so much. 

Today, I write on my big red couch at home. My home. Ok...my townhouse that I'm renting. But it has everything I've ever owned within its walls, so it's as good as a home to me. And even thought my holiday was wonderful, I'm still happy to be back. Somewhere I belong.