Christmas 2023 has come and gone. While it was a warm one with no snow, it did not disappoint as I finally celebrated with my adopted family. But before I get into that, I celebrated with my blood relatives and we opened presents in the living room. Everyone loved the gifts I got them. Dad’s flashlight will help him out when he’s driving the bus, Annabelle will definitely use her controller when playing Switch, even Katie and Matt enjoyed their haul from Old Navy. I got gift cards including one from Old Navy and plan to put that toward some amazing fashionwear, or activewear.
We ate breakfast and then I was off to brunch with my other family. I got to her place around 11:30. Rob greeted me and I also got to meet Grandma J. This was my first visit to Paula’s since 2010. She sent me an invite for Christmas and wanted to make sure I was able to attend. We agreed on Noon on Christmas Day. She was very happy to see me as was her daughter. We had a great feast with turkey and all the trimmings. We also shared plenty of laughs, something I’m not used to doing at home that often.
My parents go out of their way to decorate for Christmas and so does the Queen of Christmas herself. It was very festive and I was loving every minute of it. Rae came over just as we were eating and was happy to see me sitting at the table as well. I started to get a little more comfortable today than I’ve been in the past. Maybe it’s because I’m at home a lot and feel short shrifted sometimes. It doesn’t matter how old I am, I still want attention and acceptance in my fashion journey and not feel like it’s a mistake. This is why I’m always happy when I get together with my adopted family even though it seems few and far between. They get me and accept me. My cousins are the same too.
This day was a couple of years in the making. I wanted to get together a few years ago but we were still dealing with COVID. In addition, I was going through a big transition as I was changing jobs. I even bought gifts for everyone. Luckily, I ran into Rob, Sara, and Rae at IceFest a month later on a sunny, cold day and did gift exchange with the first two. They gave me my gift as well. That would be our last time together in person until Friendsgiving (Rob and Sara) and Christmas (Rae).
We opened gifts and watched Netflix and talked. Thor was the star of the show and was loved by everyone today. Uncle was hilarious and the banter and humor between him and his sister made the day so worthwhile. I got a book of Harry Styles posters from my fashionable sister and brother-in-law and I can’t wait to post a few on my ceiling. Harry’s fashion journey is amazing. Mine can be too. I just need to be more confident in myself.
We got a few family pics before we all left on other adventures. Momma and Thorence Hemsworth Mason were so blessed to have our presence on this fine Christmas Day. I promised her it wouldn’t be another 13 years before I came to her house. We have some plans to go to church when I get a free Saturday night/Sunday morning off. One thing I want to do going into 2024 is get back into church after a few years off. Fashionable sister and I will make a date for Waffles INCaffeinated closer to Spring. Maybe before that, we can talk about planning a shopping day.
2020 was cold and chaotic. Not the way we wanted our last Christmas at Grandma’s old house to go.
2021 was flu-ridden and disappointing. That’s all I need to say.
2022 was cold but better than the last two years. We got a Christmas miracle on Christmas Eve when Benny came home from the hospital after a weeklong stay there.
2023 could have went back to the last couple of years but turned out better than expected. Don’t know if going to Momma’s will be a Christmas tradition for me but I know I won’t be a stranger going forward.
Here’s our family pics from yesterday.
Stylish 🍒 