'Tis the Season

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas..."
(Silver Bells)

Ah yes, once again it comes. The hectic, frustrating, stressful end of the year time that they call 'The Christmas Season.' And it's always marked off by the 'Day after Thanksgiving' sales in malls throughout the US. For me it's hard to imagine that it's already here.

Yes, I did see the decorations up on the street lamps and in the malls as soon as it hit November 1st. And yes, the Christmas/Calendar stores are up and running, as soon as the Spirit Hallowe'en stores closed down. But still, despite the glaring, in your face stuff, I have yet to feel it.

I mean, you have to pass Thanksgiving first.

Oh sure, call it what you will. UN-Thanksgiving for those that choose not to celebrate the official time that the Pilgrims learned to survive without the Natives' help, and thus were able to slowly take the natives' land for themselves. Whatever you like. It doesn't matter to me. All it means is that I get a day off work to spend with all of my family.

We hosted Thanksgiving this year. I woke up at around 11am [slept off the effects of Mission Rock] and already my parents were going crazy throughout the house. I got up and helped vacuum the rugs and then it was off to the grocery store for all the last minute things the parentals forgot. Got home around 3 and watched the rest of the Dallas-Miami game.

Our first arrival was my cousin RJ. We hung around drinking some Coronas. Slowly but surely the rest made their way in. Uncle D and Auntie S. Their sons SG and SR [along with his wife Jen]. Then it was RJ's sisters, EM and TR [who brought RJ's daughter En-En.] Soon after Uncle M and Grandma. Then Uncle A and his kids, Ju-Ju, Justin and 'Lana. Last but not least, Uncle A and his girlfriend June. Finally, it's time to eat. Ever since my mother starting making dinardra'an (sic) [dinuguan for you tagalogs out there] my Uncles have looking forward to our holiday feasts.

My brother's girlfriend 'Gaya passed by, and then special appearance by Dad's best friend Uncle L and his wife Auntie P and their daughter Jen capped off the guests for the evening. After a few smokes [yeah, I'm a voice major but what the hell, it's a holiday!] we decided to play a little poker. And once again, age prevailed over youth. Uncle A won $33 and Uncle D won $16. I lost $9 myself.

And then all of a sudden, everyone was gone. They slowly trickled out one by one until it was the family again. No more children running around, no more side talk. The house was quiet. My youngest brother, rugged8ss and I chilled on the couch. And then I woke up, and it was already Friday morning.

And now it's time for Christmas.

Bring it on baby.