02:58:24 Sunday December 26 2004
Christmas Eve: I woke up in A-town, having driven in late last night. I went on a mad shopping trip. While changing shopping locations my vehicle was hit from the rear by a friendly lady with a bunch of screaming children in her car. This caused my vehicle to hit the vehicle in front of it and for that vehicle to likewise hit its predecessor. Fortunately no one was injured and everyone drove away after talking with the nice police man. I completed my shopping and headed to my maternal grandmother's house for the first Christmas gathering of the season. My aunt and uncle were not able to make it due to my aunt's recent surgery. After dinner and gifts we were whisked away to church for midnight service.

Christmas Day: Traditional Christmas at the parents. The only change was that two of my three sisters showed up with boyfriends. This is a new development and not one I am particularly fond of. I don't mind them coming to the larger family gatherings, and I am even willing to compromise on April's fiance attending the more intimate Christmas morning gathering. However it still feels very intrusive. We are usually sill running around the house in our pajamas for heaven's sake. Don't they have their own family gatherings to attend on Christmas morning?

After a mid morning respite we got dressed and headed over to the home of my paternal grandparents. Everyone was there and a good time was had by all. Castor even showed up late in the evening and played a few hands of bridge.