1700 Posts By Christmas 2011

[Jolly O'Leary]

Thank you! I have an interview at another job as well. Options would be nice...like at a Yankee Gift Swap at Christmas time.

Please explain to this Texas Confederate gal what a Yankee Gift Swap is. I've heard of it. Is it like a white elephant party?

[CandyKane]

My computer has been giving me fits. I really should have asked Santa to bring me a new one last Christmas but I had other things on my list. So....it's working now.(knocking on wood)

[CandyKane]

Still haven't heard back from the accountant. Right now is I'm in the no news is good news frame of mind. But I never give up hope that I'll get a little extra to put back for Christmas.

[kiwidogy_max]

A Yankee Gift Swap is when people pick a number and draw gifts based on the number selected. Each successive picker gets to choose to open a new gift or take someone else's gift that was opened previously. You really want to be the last person to draw a gift, as you have the most options.

There are different variations, but that is it in a nutshell. It is always interesting at Christmastime.

[kiwidogy_max]

This weekend should be fun as I have planned a surprise 60th birthday party for my parents. It will be nice getting everyone together...just like Christmas dinner.

[Jolly O'Leary]

A Yankee Gift Swap is when people pick a number and draw gifts based on the number selected. Each successive picker gets to choose to open a new gift or take someone else's gift that was opened previously. You really want to be the last person to draw a gift, as you have the most options.

There are different variations, but that is it in a nutshell. It is always interesting at Christmastime.

Sounds like what we call a 'chinese gift exchange', no I don't know why except maybe after the civil war it wasn't popular to say 'yankee'. I have also seen this combined with a white elephant present so that you have a great time and spend very little money. We tried introducing the idea in sweden, but it didn't go over very well. 1) Swedes consider it rude to 'regift', and 2) they would consider it rude to 'take' someone else's gift that came before them even if it is part of the game. What they do have is a sort of grown up fish pond where you throw your hook over a curtain or door frame and someone on the other side puts a 'prize' on it or a small bag of treats. They have as much fun with this as kids (with or without being drunk).

[kiwidogy_max]

The grown up fish pond game sounds interesting and fun! It makes you wonder who came up with these crazy games!! Probably someone who had too much spiked eggnog at Christmas.

[kiwidogy_max]

The surprise party for my parents went very well. Everyone had a great time and the food was good. I am very lucky for my family. They are like a Christmas gift everyday! Even better!!

[kiwidogy_max]

Winter is holding on strong as we are in the middle of a snow storm. 20-32 inches are expected for my area. It is a good thing I like snow. Christmas in March!

[Jolly O'Leary]

Winter is holding on strong as we are in the middle of a snow storm. 20-32 inches are expected for my area. It is a good thing I like snow. Christmas in March!

Wow, we were melting over the weekend, but not the cold air has returned, but no snow as of yet. My swedish husband says 'you know it is spring when it is raining and not snowing'. I say it is spring when you wear a sweater and not a coat. hm......Christmas in March with Rankin & Bass' Leprechaun's Christmas Gold (available on YouTube). Can't think of any 'irish' christmas movies, have to research!

[CandyKane]

Another busy, busy weekend for us. I had posted a few months ago about our friends mother who was diagnosed with brain cancer. Well she passed away this weekend. Very sad. Her granddaughter is in my Sunday School class and is the sweetest little girl in the world. I'm glad they got to spend one last Christmas with her.

[CandyKane]

I have a very busy day ahead. I have a ton of errands to run. The weather is chilly but at least it's not snowing here. Glad that the ones getting snow are enjoying it. Don't want to see any more here until Christmas.

[kiwidogy_max]

It has been snowing here since yesterday afternoon. So far, 20". By the end of the day, we could have up to 32"!!! Welcome to VT. Another snow day from school. IBM closed, the University closed...Snowmageddon they called it. Ha!! This is a Christmas present for skiers.

Good day baking cookies.

[Jolly O'Leary]

It has been snowing here since yesterday afternoon. So far, 20". By the end of the day, we could have up to 32"!!! Welcome to VT. Another snow day from school. IBM closed, the University closed...Snowmageddon they called it. Ha!! This is a Christmas present for skiers.

Good day baking cookies.

hm....you have IBM and live in a cold climate. Have to tell hubby, he would not mind getting a job in the US, but have to work on his green card first. I should be a swedish citizen by christmas, then we can re-evaluate our options. Vermont like a nice place to celebrate Christmas!

[kiwidogy_max]

Vermont is a very nice place to celebrate Christmas. Fall and summer are great too! :-)

[kiwidogy_max]

I had a nice dinner with my family this evening. Dad's famous cheeseburgers. Good times!! Christmassy weather through March. At least 120 inches of snow this year thus far, with potentially more coming Wednesday to Thursday.

[kiwidogy_max]

Could I get another Christmas present with another snow day tomorrow to dig out?? I think hot cocoa is in order.

[CandyKane]

Cold and rainy here. It has definetly felt more like Christmas weather than Spring.

[CandyKane]

Noel, my dear Christmas friend, if you are checking in I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you. Christmas All Year just isn't the same without you.

[CandyKane]

Just wanted to stop by and say Hi to my Christmas friends. Busy, busy day for me. I'll be attending 2 funerals and helping the ladies at our church prepare and serve meals to both the families. At least the rain has stopped. I would love to see some sunshine today!