A Very Vitsky Christmas

I don't *do* Christmas. I have some leftover angst from childhood, I'm Jewish and there's not a lot of family left around my side of the world anymore. I celebrated Christmas when I was young. The Menorah was placed on a table right next to the tree, the tree was decorated to the nines and the Menorah was lit. It was especially beautiful when Chanukah overlapped Christmas and the light of the candles danced in the metallic gleam of the ornaments.

A few days ago I got a package that was marked "Do Not Open Until Xmas" from my cousins in the east. I'm thinking of moving to Richmond, Virginia in a couple of years and we had been talking about my coming out this December but life and personal schedules intervened. I was so surprised to see a box from them and couldn't begin to guess what was inside. I followed directions and waited until this morning to open it up. And when I did - just look what my eyes beheld! 11 individually wrapped prezzies!

I'm pretending that 8 of them are my Hanukah presents, two are stocking stuffers and one is the major Christmas bonanza.

I received, in no special order, a lint roller (a very necessary item with Diego and Ella's fur on every surface and piece of clothing), a much needed bottle of hand cream called "embrace happiness", and an adorable Nutcraker pen. There was a box of Godiva chocolates (which I will scarf down for breakfast in a few minutes), some pretty little bird and branch paper hankies, a handmade bookmark, a cake of goat milk soap (are they trying to tell me something?) and a note pad for things to do.

I got the obligatory pair of adorable socks (which I already put on since my toes are fahreezing), business card sized monthly calendars (think I'll frame those) and there was even a miniature partridge in a pear tree drawing tablet. Well, there's not an actual pear tree, but the partridge is front and center. I can't express how delighted I am.

Ella is enjoying the rustle and crunch of my booty too!

My cousins Patricia and Sally are so sweet. They're actually my Father's cousins. His Uncle was only 6 years older than he was, so his cousins are more in my age bracket than they were in his. We met on FB two years or so ago and I went to visit them last Thanksgiving.

I was invited to go to my L.A. cousin Joan's house for dinner tonight, but my Grinchy self declined. I wonder if there's still room at the inn... I'll have breakfast, go to my usual Christmas morning movie (The King's Speech I think) and give her a call to see. Thanks to all my cousins, near and far for including me in your seasonal celebrations. And to Pat and Sal - Thanks for all my magical treasures!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday celebration, no matter the holiday, no matter the circumstances. Enjoy the season!