Tis the Eve, Which in Traditional Crandall Land is the Day of Holiday Celebrations (Still Living on Dad's Airline Schedule All These Years Later)

I didn't realize the majority of people do the holiday celebrations on the 25th until much later in life. We always gathered on the 24th, did the hoopla of it all, and settled in on Christmas Day for chill time. Of course, now that we're all older and most are pulled in a million directions, the habits have shifted. Still, we head to Cynderballz today for the 'supposedly calming' tradition of a lighter Christmas Eve as Cynde is ready to wash her hands with it all and having gatherings at her house. She's ready for the torch to be moved elsewhere, which is likely to occur with Nikki and Adamo moving to Albany. 

We'll only know a year from now. 

Yesterday was a Price Chopper day (Prithe Thopper, as the locals without teeth call it). Dad went missing for a while, but he showed up with a cart of bread and jam and cookies and ice-cream. It is amazing how many old farts dressed in 18-layers of clothes wander that store in a day. Still, the crowds were light and Karal and I got a great walk in, too. Also got to see Doreen as she stopped down, and I made a stir fry for lunch with ginger, sesame seeds, chicken and broccoli. 

Thought about a nap, but a doorbell caused Karal to bark and that was a short-lived thought. 

I have to spend the morning sorting the goods I brought for gifts and creating a game plan for this year's new "Yankee swap." $50 says I end up with the garbage gift that someone thought would be funny. I'm used to the Charlie Brown life, so am already prepared for it. 

The first round of winter session student papers are arriving, and I'll get to more this weekend (kill us all). 

Here's to you, your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Here's hoping that the magic finds you and there's peace in your worlds.