My Christmas
2006-12-27 @ 11:34 a.m.

On Friday, I met Chris's parents, and grandmother and sisters and brothers and aunts and uncles and cousins and family friends and a few pets as well. It was intimidating, stressful but fine, in the end.

First things first, if you will. I spent a good part of Friday afternoon deciding what to wear. I must have pulled five or six outfits out of my closet, only to reject them on the flimsiest of grounds. I wasn't exactly sure about attire. I assumed it was pretty informal (which it was) but I wanted to make a decent impression. But, without looking like I was trying to make a decent impression.

I chose a pleated, plaid skirt with the hemline just an inch or two above the knee, tights, a red sweater, white shirt and flats. To top it off, I wore my red beret. It seemed a good idea at the time but I know what you're thinking: way to cutesy. Probably.

His family was nice. Very blue-collar and down-to-earth. Since I wore the plaid, and because of my nickname, one of Chris's cousins kept asking me, in an awful Scots accent, "Where's your bagpipe." That sure was funny, especially the fifth time he said it. Not to mention, the accent sounded more Bronx than Scots.

Other than Doofus Maximus, it was fine. His mother was decent, but a bit on the cold side. Although, I don't think it was me as much as her default personality setting. I did hear her, under her breath, mention to her sister that I was "older" than Chris. Yes, he's about three years younger than me. She emphasized "older" by stretching it out a bit. As in, "You know, she's olll - der than him." That's how I envisioned her words, in italics. I'm not older, but older.

Chris's Dad was warm and friendly, making me feel right at home. The siblings were fine, as well. All and all, not a bad night.

Christmas was great. Want to hear something freaky? I'll tell you anyway. Steve gave me these wonderful diamond studded earrings. The setting was gold, with four prongs. Well Chris gave me almost the exact same pair. Same carat and almost the exact same cut in the same setting. It wasn't a perfect match, but you have to look really hard to see the difference. I found that very odd.

When I went to Steve's on Sunday night, prior to going to his parents, he gave me another gift, although I really think they were a gift to himself, for me to wear. It was a pair of shoes. He wanted me to wear them that night but I wouldn't (nothing like looking like a tramp on Christmas Eve). There is a time and place for shoes like that. I did try them on for him though.

I gave Steve an iPod so he can ditch the CD player he uses when running. I also gave him the extended version of the Lord of the Rings. Last, but not least, I found and had framed a print of Robert Gould Shaw, the commander of Massachusetts 54th Regiment during the Civil War. Steve's a big Civil War buff. Also, I've always been partial to the monument to the 54th that's on the Commons. Chris got a book on the history of the Red Sox, a few CD's and a new watch (not that he'll wear it).

I think everyone was pleased with their Christmas gifts. I hope your Holiday was wonderful as well. See you in '07.