Post-xmas post

Xmas with the Baumans was good. The decorating of the xmas tree ritual started around 4pm on Xmas eve. In this ritual, Brian's dad carefully unwraps the xmas ornaments, one for each person, for each year, and hands them out in chronological order. Each person hangs their ornament on the tree and usually a short skip down memory lane accompanies it. The first year I spent xmas with them I got the free ornament from the buy 2 get 1 free offer, and this year we noticed that I didn't get an ornamed for my second year, so Kevin made me one from the tab of his Coke can. This is probably my favourite ornament on the tree now! This year's ornament for Brian and me was Shrek and Fiona. Fitting, n'est pas?
After the tree trimming Brian's parents' friends, Doug and Debbie Rambin, and Debbie's mum came over for xmas dinner. A feast of honey baked ham, garlic mash, sweet potato casarole, asparagus, and rolls was shared by all, along with wine. For dessert, Brian's mum made Chocolate Raspberry Torte. MMMMM!
After dinner we sat around the xmas tree and exchanged gifts. All were very thoughtful and fitting, but the prize for weird gift goes to Kevin, who gave Brian a skydiver tissue box cover. Very unusual. We were both surprised and overwhelmed by the gift that Brian and I received from his parents. A stainless steel propane grill, and grill cover. I can't wait until we get it and can start grilling!
Brian and I got up late on xmas day and lounged around for most of it. We opened presents by the fireplace that had been left by Santa. Brian's mum did a wonderful job of informing Santa of what we all liked. Xmas day dinner was great, we had salmon and even Brian ate it and said he enjoyed it. Stop everything and call the media! the pickiest eater in the world enjoyed FISH!
Boxing day was spent shopping at Katy Mills. I was looking for a coat but never found one I liked. I did, however, find some great trousers at Banana Republic. That evening we went to The Taste of Texas steak house and had a fabulous steak dinner. I had a filet with garlic butter and lemon pepper, and a portobella mushroom. For dessert we all shared a Guinnes Ginger Cake. After dinner I set off for the drive back to Austin. The cats were very happy to have their mum back :-)

As most of you know, xmas is my least favourite holiday, but I have to say a huge thank you to Brian and his family, who for the past 3 years have made it enjoyable for me. Maybe this Grinch's heart is growing a few sizes.

I'm looking forward to the new year, and all that it brings... including another birthday! ACK!