Christmas Party.

Happy Christmas Party

It was very last minute, but luckily Aleksi was here

[and we were sent some home goods]

but we were able to put together a snack bar and hot chocolate station. 

We had the Glee and Elf Christmas CDs playing in the background,

food on the table,

and Christmas spirits high. 

It was time for the festivities to begin.

Rocking around the Christmas tree. 

We also had a D.D.F. - Designated Dancing Floor

But basically everyone stood around and watched me in hopes 

that I would pop-lock-and-drop-it. 

I didn't. 

I don't do that kind of thing to please a crowd. 

It has to be natural. 

After all our guests had arrived, and eaten, and drank some hot chocolate 

it was time to play White Elephant. 

Not everyone knows how to play - and some that do - don't call the game 

"White Elephant" 

Rules: everyone brings either a gag gift - like something you find at a thrift store or around your house that is super tacky or funny - or you bring a serious gift; a nice ring - a camera - a fer-bee, you get the idea.

Depending on how many people are there - you randomly pick a number - and depending on what number you get determines the order of picking gifts. 

If you are #2 - you can pick a new gift or steal #1's gift - leaving number 1 to have to pick a new one. 

Some gifts were super funny. 

I got stuck with a photo of Courtney's cat - Winston. 

I think it's cool. 

Kate was left with Snuggie Slippers, Chris with an old green fer-bee, 

and Cassie with a cool camera. 

I put several gifts in for the exchange, but my favorite was a stained white shirt

with a Cat's face on it - wearing sunglasses that said 

"Cattitude is Everything"

Rachel got stuck with it after Aleksi stole her ring. 

This game got intense.

Aleksi ended up with the ring she put into the exchange. 

There's always one...

Michelle left with a bucket of shells, Courtney with a diary [with fairies on the cover], 

Kelly left with one of those things that you put on your face and it makes an impression - it was Cassie's and it was used. 

I don't remember everyone's gifts - but those are the ones that stuck. 

As a welcome home slash early Christmas gift - my mom gave me

Wii Glee Karaoke. 

She knows I like Glee - and that I like to sing [even though I really shouldn't] 

So we pulled that out. 

And things got pretty loud from this point forward. 

I'm pretty sure - together - we did almost all the songs. 

We played on the "difficult" setting. 

and Reagan and I blew away all competition when we got the song 

98% accurate. 

At this point - most everyone had sung. 

Everyone that is except Chris and Courtney. 

They both refused to sing. 

Chris said he was too embarrassed and Courtney said her voice wasn't strong enough. 

"You sit on a throne of lies" 

But then - we got a compromise. 

"I'll go if Courtney goes" 

"and I'll go if Chris goes" 

The next thing we knew - they each had a mic.

They sang the Glee version of Imagine and got a whopping 72%, 

[I know it doesn't even compare to Reagan and my score] 

but trust me, it was the event of the evening. 

Chris and Courtney sang! 

It was great - and their voices - like mine - were remarkable. 

Good times, good times. 

Christmas Picture time. 

Jingle Bell time is a swell time to go riding in a one horse sleigh. 

Jingle Bell Rock. 

This Christmas season I am especially grateful for my close family and my awesome friends. 

and not having to go to college over the break, 

and not having stressful homework, 

and sleep [I've slept so much - but it feels so good]

We ended the evening with watching the Christmas classic, "Elf"

"Bye Buddie, I hope you find your dad" 

"OOhh look at you" 

"He's an angry Elf"

"Does Santa know you left the workshop"

"Does somebody need a hug"

Such a fun night.

Merry Christmas.