It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Christmas is a holiday that spawns many memories. Some are fantastic, some are hilarious and some are of the OMG, did that really happen variety. Here are a few of my favorites:

MEMORIES

On Christmas Eve in 2000, as a newlywed, I had an epic meltdown while making sugar cookies. I'm talking legendary, like The Husband and The Brother will still be laughing about it 25 years from now. It involved yelling, swearing, nearly breaking the countertops, and the movie "Gladiator." Oh, and the trash can was also a key player.

On Christmas night, right after The Girl had turned 3, she told us she was excited to go to bed and wake up in the morning again to what Santa had brought. We calmly explained that Santa wouldn't be back for a whole year, so there wouldn't be any presents in the morning. She kept looking at us, not quite comprehending how long a year is. Finally, I said "Santa won't come again until you're 4." She went upstairs, sad and pouting. A few minutes later, she yells down the stairs "Am I 4 yet?!"

As a kid, my brother and I were major snoops. We not only found the presents before Christmas, we opened them up, inserted batteries if necessary, and played with them. Well, one year, on Christmas morning, my brother noticed that one of his presents was missing. He slyly says "I sure was hoping to get a ___________ (one of the few things I can't remember!)" My mom suddenly has a look of panic on her face, runs up the stairs, and returns with said gift.

Another childhood memory of the classic sort involves the roller-skating rink, a go-cart and a phone call. In the early 80s, The Brother and I were big into roller skating. (Don't judge!) The local skating rink was giving away an impossibly cool go-cart for Christmas. We had entered the contest at least 4 dozen times, so we were sure of certain victory. Well, one night, right before Christmas, the phone rings and it's the skating rink asking for my brother. I remember this scene so perfectly, it's crystal clear:

My mom: "It's the skating rink!!"

My brother, running as fast as the 6 Million Dollar Man, and grabbing the phone: "Hello! Hello!"

I stood there, picturing myself zipping around the neighborhood in the go-cart, only to hear a sad, defeated voice say "Oh, OK, thanks" and hang-up the phone.

"What did they say?" asked my mom.

"I won a stuffed Santa," said my brother, looking like the saddest boy on earth. I think my parents still have the Santa. It was about 3-feet tall and very nice. But not a go-cart.

There was the Christmas Eve when the husband and I, alone for the holiday, indulged in way too much holiday cheer of the liquid variety, and opened every single present. Christmas Day was not too exciting that year.

THE BEST

My all-time favorite Christmas gift from childhood is the Barbie motorhome. Remember that one, those of you who grew up in the 70s/80s? If not, go here for a quick look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1xU20Yg_7Q. It was a GMC knock-off and it was SWEET. I hope my kids get a gift that they will remember forever. Maybe this year is the year, as The Boy is getting a stylin' Big Wheel and The Girl is getting a unicorn castle. Yeah, don't ask.

A close second is the Sesame Street Clubhouse. It was all sorts of awesome and if I had saved it, I could make a small fortune selling it on eBay today. See above for a pic.

THE WORST

There was the Ziploc of liquid, left on my desk at work, with a note attached to it, explaining that it was Friendship Bread batter. Lovely.

Why is it that the people who really shouldn't bake are the ones who give baked goods as Christmas gifts?

One year, my grandparents gave me a homemade something. There is still much debate as to whether it was a clock, a large watch, or something else entirely. For the record, I had the world's best Grandma and I still miss her.

THE MUSIC

Growing up, the only Christmas music my parents owned was "A Perry Como Christmas" or something like that. Whenever that cassette appeared each year, we knew it was officially Christmas. Thankfully, there are much better choices for Christmas music now. My favorite modern Christmas song is "Christmas in Hollis" by Run-D.M.C. This year, I discovered a couple of new favorites: "Peppermint Winter" by Owl City and "Silver Bells" exceptionally done by Relient K. Check 'em out!

To quote "Peppermint Winter" by Owl City "What's December without Christmas Eve?" Here's to magical Christmas memories, baked goods of the edible sort, and celebrating with the ones you love. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night."