Christmas is over and for the fist time over I’ve actually taken down Christmas in my house before New Year’s Day.  I never take down Christmas before New Year’s Day but this year I’m going to Mexico before the New Year and tonight and tomorrow are the only nights I had before I go.  It feels weird.  Tomorrow I’m rushing home from work and doing the outside.

I had a very nice Christmas.  For Christmas Eve I went to a party at the home of a member of my adopted Cuban family.  Man do I love the Cuban food at these parties.  It’s all so good and different than what I grew up with.  The party was great.  It’s always fun to hang with my family away from my family.

Christmas morning I called my family up North and we exchanged gifts over the phone.  Then Skot and Mike came over for breakfast and to exchange gifts.  I made a huge breakfast like my Grandmother use to make, eggs, fried potatoes, fried apples, bacon, sausage, homemade biscuits (gluten-free toast for me), homemade jam, and fresh ground coffee.  Then later we went to Skot’s sisters’ house for dinner with his family and more gifts.

It was wonderful, everyone was so kind and everyone seemed to like the gifts I gave as I enjoyed all the gifts I received.  I really enjoy giving gifts much more than receiving.  I just love making someone happy.  But the most important part for me is the traditions and being with friends and family and enjoying all that great company and food.