New Year's Eve 2009

Happy New Year's Eve! 

I had a wonderful visit with my family over Christmas.  It was just the four of us, and it was the first time we'd all been in the parsonage at the same time. Though our tree had fewer presents than some previous years (thank you economy), the ones there were more than enough. Plus, the best part was getting to see my brother and my parents. 

When I made plans to come home for Christmas, I fussed about having to leave my NFL Network service in my Lawrence apartment.  The Titans were playing on Christmas Day and I would miss the game!  They would be playing on my birthday in my hometown and I wouldn't get to see them.  Little did I know that my brother had "already solved the problem" (as he put it).  He gave me 2 tickets to the game!  I couldn't believe it!  I was going to see the Titans play on Christmas Day! =)

My 23rd birthday celebration took place on the day after Christmas since my brother and I were at the game all evening on Christmas Day.  Mom cooked a delicious meal and cake.  This year, more than any other year before, I realized that my Christmas dinners are vastly different than most peoples'.  Every Christmas, our evening meal is my birthday dinner, which in my family means we eat whatever I choose.  Every Christmas I get to eat ice cream and birthday cake before the day is done.  Additionally, my present-opening is not finished in the early afternoon like most peoples'.  Instead I get to look forward to suppertime when I open my birthday gifts.  My family and friends don't combine my presents, and Christmas gifts are wrapped in Christmas paper while birthday gifts are wrapped in birthday paper - never the other way around.  When I was younger, I thought that was just the way Christmas was.  Only recently have I realized how unique and special my Christmases are.