Oh! Christmas Tree!

I genuinely enjoy the holidays. Really. It's a mad rush to shop and get ready, but it is hard not to be happy when you're spending time with friends and family with a pretty snowy backdrop.

This does *not* however, mean that the holidays are without humor and aggravation.

I submit the evidence:
1. I was held hostage by the Holidazzle parade. I left my office around 7:15 and was accosted by families swarming into Gaviidae as the Holidazzle had just finished. After fighting my way out the door (I think I managed to avoid stepping on little ones, but I can't guarantee it) I continued to swim upstream to the parking garage. I drove out to the street, only to be blocked by the "return parade." I quickly realized the floats do a much less fancy but equally slow parade down Marquette and then turn onto 3rd street, blocking all turning traffic. I was elated.

2. I had to finish up some shopping tonight. The stores were STILL crowded at 9:30 PM. Pretty amazing. Lots of stock on the shelves make me think the crowds of people does not necessarily equal an economy saving holiday shopping season. Bah Humbug.

3. I arrived home to find a holiday card outlining the steps required to have a baby (um, yeeeeah, we already know). This information was followed with a bit of advice on where to (or not to due to some questionable 'health habits' in some parts of the world) look for adoptable babies. The final line was, "There must be some white babies out there somewhere." I wish I was kidding. We put the card up next to the picture card we got from another family member who visited China with her adopted daughter this year.

4. Some of the people I work with sent me a giant jar of imported (and Yummy!) kalamata olives from Greece! For this, I really was elated.

Just a few more baskets to deliver, and a few family events to attend, and soon enough it will be the end of another year.