Official Christmas Thread

[Jeff]

We have so many traditions, Christmas is pretty much a process at our house. Every year we always pick eachother's names out of a hat around Thanksgiving, and have to get one present for the person whose name we picked. Sometime during the day on Christmas Eve we all gather by the tree, where we would have already put the wrapped presents for each other. One by one we hide them, then play the hot-cold game until the person finds them, then we all open them.

We go to church in the evening, and after we get back we have the most unusual traditional Christmas Eve dinner: Chinese food. There's a good reason for that, and that's that Chinese food places used to be the only places that served food on Christmas Eve. Of course, now we could probably run through McDonald's, but why go against tradition? After dinner, we all watch a movie and drink hot chocolate, and then after the younger kids are in bed, the rest of us put our parents' presents for us under the tree and in our stockings. After that, my parents open their presents for each other and we all go to bed.

On Christmas morning, when everyone is awake, we cut our stockings off of the railing and take them into our parents' room where we open those presents, then after our parents are out of bed we go to the tree and open those presents. Then we eat breakfast, then sometime in the afternoon we go to our grandparents' house and eat some appetizers (which usually include some great crab dip which is always gone pretty quick). We also open some more presents there, and have dinner, which like most other people apparently is the same as Thanksgiving dinner. Dessert is similar to Thanksgiving dessert, except it involves cookies and no pumpkin pie. After we eat that, we pack up the car and head back home. Then we go crazy playing whatever new games we got until New Year's Eve, when we have some other traditions.

[Katie]

1. No not yet, waiting until finals week bowls me over and I go back home. I have no idea what I'm getting *anyone* so it's going to be interesting.

2. I think this is the first year I don't want something specific and expensive (game system, iPod, TV, whatever). My family's been bugging me so I made a little list to email out. Number one, I want an ax. It has to have a short handle because I'm short and have short arms, and most handles are made for big men. So that'll be interesting to see if anyone can find. I also want a new umbrella, a calendar, and any rocks or minerals I don't already have. Fossils are always accepted as well. After that, I'm a bit at a loss. Maybe itunes or ebay gift cards. I just don't know this year. :/

3. It's been fighting that for years, but I think as long as people are allowed to celebrate as they please it's fine. My family is big on the presents thing, but we also stick together around the house for a couple days straight. Yay family time. I don't care about political correctness, but you can go stuff yourself if you insist "merry Christmas" when I wish you "happy holidays" as your cashier. I personally celebrate thanksgiving, Christmas eve, Christmas, and new years - they're all holidays, jackass.


My ideal Christmas this year will consist of a massive hangover. My 21st is the 24th, and it will be a Christmas miracle if I can gather enough friends who aren't doing the family thing to have a good time. I'm not holding my breath though - maybe I'll hold off 'til New Years.

[Bulbasaur4]

A few traditions of my inner family got messed up a bit when my parents divorced, but on each side of the family there are still a few:

Mom's Side
They make Brandy slushies. There are always Brandy slushies and you better damn well have one!
They draw names- the "adults" or people over thirty draw names for eachother and then the young'ns draw names for each other.
They talk and stay up until they can't talk or happily drink anymore.

Dad's Side
Always eat dinner before opening presents.
We designate someone as "Santa" for that year and they're in charge of searching around the Christmas tree and handing out presents. Santa gives out presents one by one and the family watches every present get opened one by one. That way we spend more quality time and well...it just is really special! It takes a while, but we all appreciate and now we have "half time" for ice cream.
Speaking of ice cream, every year we place a special order to get black licorice ice cream. It sounds nasty, but OMG it is delicious- and I don't even like black licorice.


I go to church too, but I go to the evening service. Every year I alternate which family I spend Eve with and which family I spend day with, so it just depends! Although this year because of my studying abroad, I'll be spending Christmas Eve with my mother in LA. :3 The marina is soooo pretty when all the boats decorate themselves with pretty lights!

[midnightangel]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
You bet. And finished it too since the family doesn't want too much this year.
Go Me
I will be going over to my mom's house for a little get-together and dessert before the "Big Day" which is pretty much the same thing we do most years since my brother usually goes away for the holidays with his wife. I'll probably be working the holiday myself which bites.

2. What's on your wish-list?
If I told you I'd have to.....kidding
I really don't know what I want. I can always count on my brother with something cute and my mom gives me cash to do my own shopping

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
It is what it is. If people want to celebrate the season with alot of fanfare, or quietly, then it's fine with me.

And if someone says "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" to me I nod in acknowledgment or say something like "You too" or "The same to you." though I prefer the latter term than the former term. *nods*

I put up a small tree again this year, and closer to the end of the holiday I have my quiet celebration. Last year, I spent the time on the beach until the sun rose, and it was a breathtaking experience.

[Weasel Overlord]

I've never been to church at Christmas. My mum always says we'll go to Midnight Mass and then we never do, lol. Generally too drunk. Christmas Eve is a big thing in our house, for some reason. We get tons of the family and friends round and drink cherry vodka until about 1am, it's great.

Our next door neighbour dresses as Santa for schools I think it is, and he's taken to coming round to entertain my brother (who's gonna be 4 the day after Boxing Day ) and the other younger kids. That's always amusing.

Kalah, we do the same thing as your dad's side do! We watch every single present being opened, heh. Take it in turns too, generally. Although we let my brother get on with it, cos he gets a ridiculous amount of stuff. That's what you get having a gigantic family, I guess. Lots of crap, heh.

Ooh yes, I also decorate the dogs... tinsel on the collars! Aah they look so cute. XD And last year we put a hat on Lewis (one of the dogs), which was hilarious. He wasn't best pleased.

[PancaKe]

Kalah, we do the same thing as your dad's side do! We watch every single present being opened, heh. Take it in turns too, generally. Although we let my brother get on with it, cos he gets a ridiculous amount of stuff. That's what you get having a gigantic family, I guess. Lots of crap, heh.

I thought everyone did that. At every family thing, dads or mums side, we each take a turn to open the present and so everyone can see what we got

I always go to chruch on Christmas day. We used to go Catholic mass on christmas eve; but that's boring so I make my mum go to my church now on Christmas day. They always do a really funny kids talk, and then we get these "international guests" via satelite link to talk to us - but they're really just my minister dressed up in different costumes. I really admire his efforts!

[Jeff]

When me and the other children in my family open presents, we just do it all at once, with 5 of us, it would be pretty hard to take turns. My parents do take turns the night before, when they open their presents. My dad likes to feel and shake the presents to try and guess what it is, and my mom always yells at him for it.

[Bulbasaur4]

Yeah, on my Mom's side we don't take turns. People just pass out presents and everyone digs in. I like waiting for everyone to open theirs like on my father's side. :3 It's like dragging out Christmas to make it longer.. ! Hah!

OHHHh and I'm happy! Yesturday I went to a cafe here to use the internet, and they had Jazzy Christmas music playing with Christmas decorations on the walls! The best part is, that they had little snippets of paper pinned to the decorations to explain what they were for in chinese, for the chinese people. xD It was fantastic and the hot chocolate they made was AWESOME. :3 And the grilled cheese and ham sandwich... because it was the first time the ham was actually ham and the cheese actually tasted like cheese. :3

Although, the Pizza Hut around here does Christmas decorations too... but creepily so. There are Santa faces EVERYWHERE. "He sees you when you're sleeping..." Definately come to mind here.

[classy_cat18]

My family prays before opening gifts, and we open them together. Then we get dressed and go to church for Christmas service (which is barely longer than an hour). In the afternoon, we go to our grandparents' house to spend time with my large extended family. About thirty people at one time and it's still just a fraction of it! We draw names at Thanksgiving for a Secret Santa thing we do on Christmas.

[Asilynne]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
No, Im usually broke like all the time and plus Im not sure what to get everyone yet. Also Id rather not be trampled to death by a mad rush lol

2. What's on your wish-list?
Peace of mind....>.> seriously the year 2008 was a very shitty one for me and I just cant wait for it to be over. I want to be able to go to sleep at night not having to worry about anything major for once. So If someone could give me that for christmas that would be awesome lol. Other than that I would like rock band 2 but I prob wont get it because I dont even have an xbox 360 xD
3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
When people die or babies get miscarried because people care more about sales than stopping their mad rush so that someone can get medical attention Id have to say yes >.> Also it pisses me off that I cant say merry christmas anymore without people being like BUT WHAT ABOUT Hannukah OR KWANZAA YOU MUST BE RACIST OR ANTI SEMATIC (I cant spell btw) Its like hey calm your ass down, I say merry christmas, you can say whatever you want, if you tell me happy Hannukah or kwanzaa Im not going to shit a brick over it so why should you? Also, I hate how on TV or in ads people can say Happy Hannukah from fox or happy kwanzaa from coca cola or some shit but yet they NEVER say Merry Christmas, its always happy holidays. If your going to block out any sign of a particular religion/cultures holiday reference do it to everyone, otherwise its prejudice. And Idc what people say just because something is the majority doesnt mean suppressing it isnt prejudice, because it is. Im not going to get all psycho and say that only christmas things should be on tv or in ads, because I actually believe in Hannukah too, I dont particularly celebrate it because its not how I was raised but I believe it happened and that it deserves celebration (kwanzaa on the other hand was an invention from a newspaper reporter in the 1950s so Im not buying it >.>). Anyway, in conclusion, I really dont like political correctness in any form least of all during the holidays. The whole point of the holidays is to help out our fellow man, reguardless if they celebrate the same things, so really everyone should stop bitching and decorate as they see fit. And if a school wants to put up a nativity scene, rather than bitch about it and get it taken down, put something from your religion up there. I dont think religion should be taken out of school because if that were so no one could practice their religion in school, not christians, jews, islams, muslims, hindu, etc, and if no one can celebrate their religion in school thats just teaching kids the opposite of what people want. Its teaching them not to embrace diversity because if something is different from something else its banned. And if you dont like any religion, then hating someone for practicing it in ways that dont harm you isnt embracing diversity either lol




ANYWAY!!! enough about that bs x.x What I always did growing up was we drew lots between us kids and each of us got a sib to buy stuff for. We d put those presents under the tree after they were wrapped so that people like me could shake them and be tempted for however many days til christmas lol then on christmas eve we were allowed to open 1 present. Since I was the oldest and I found out about santa first I made it easier for my parents to play santa at night by having all my bros and sisters sleep in my room like a campout thing and we told stories til we got tired and fell asleep. Then me and my sis would always be too excited and wake up at diff times during the night to check the stockings, because once they were full wed go look at the tree and all the stuff under it using the light from the treelights to see XD it was so magical to look at all the goodies at night when were supposed to be asleep then after we saw that "santa" came, wed go back to bed til morning.
In the morning after our pops was awake wed all go down and choose someone to play santa and give out gifts to everyone, but then wed get too impatient and look for our own, and everytime we got something we went LOOK DAD LOOK A -insert name here-, after all the presents were open wed have breakfast and then open the stockings. We have a tradition every christmas everyone gets a dvd in their stocking and after the stockings were done wed play with our shit and watch one of the movies we got XD Then wed have a big christmas dinner around 3 thats pretty much like thanksgiving. Now that Im all grown up and moved out its pretty much the same cept I go over on christmas day insteand of sleep there. Oh and because of the present wrapping and all the decorating we do, the smell of clear scotch tape reminds me of christmas lol

[Jeff]

We've never had to look for our presents under the tree. Ever since I was little, everyone had their own section. Even when it was just me and my sister, my presents would be on one side and her's would be on the other. Now with 5 of us, it makes things much easier.

[Heald]

With less than a week to go, I'd imagine most of you are either Christmas shopping or thinking about it. What have you bought so far, and what do you still need to get?

I have quite a large family so I still have a lot to do. At the moment, I only have gifts for my mother and girlfriend, although I have sent presents to my sister and her family who live too far away to visit on Christmas via internet-shopping.

I still need to get presents for two of my brothers and their families, and one of my brothers is a hippy who wants me to donate something to charity. That little pussy. So, I'm probably going to be buying some poverty-stricken Bangladeshi family a goat or something.

Also, my sister-in-law who is cooking Christmas dinner this year is cooking beef instead of the traditional turkey this year. What the hell? This is the only time of year I get to eat roast turkey! Man I'm pissed off.

[Mew Master]

Mmmmm Goat. Don't knock it till ya tried it.

As for Gifts. Nope. haven't bought a thing. Well, save for maybe something (surprisingly) for my GF's father. See, he's a dick. No no no, he is a dick. I was informed this last break that he thinks I'm a closed-minded indivicual (because I'm not Christian surprise surprise). And I Know he doesn't like me, and I have the same resentment towards him. Not because he is Christian mind you, I'm not that much of a bigot. It's because the way he treats his family, my GF, his wife. It pisses me right off.

He's also a staunt Christian who was reading the New Testiment and has quotes from the bible plastered allover the house. The Front door, the bathroom, the living room. I think he's trying too hard to impose his views on the rest of the family. So! What does every conservative Christian despise?

That's right. Evolution and common descent.

So what did I get him? I got him Your Inner Fish: The 3.5 Billion Year History of the Human Body by Neil Shuben. Oh, and did I neglect to mention that he's a Respiratory Therapist? So yeah, I'm getting the book for him as a subtle "I don't like you either, but at least have the decency to say it to my face and explain yourself" kinda thing.

For the rest of her family.. I don't know. Probably a record keeper or something for Crystal, since she's on her own. I already got her mother an Organizer a few Christmases back so she's in the dark. Audra just might get a gift card for some books. For Sarah... I don't know yet. Everytime I remember what I want to get her, and tell myself "Don't forget this! This is important!" It leaves my memory and I can't remember what I was going to get her. Travis.... is an interesting case. He's changed so much since the family moved five years back, that I don't know WHAT he likes anymore.

My parents are another story. My mother.. has the worst habit... of never telling us what she wants for Christmas OR her birthday. So with her it's like a crap-shoot in the dark (then again, so am I... because I never think of what I want till last minute). My step-dad, however, is slightly easier to figure out. He enjoys reading, so I'm thinkin' if I could get something he'd be interested in (more like the Mountain Men series or some Tom Clancy stuff).

[Dark Sage]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

Actually, I finished it two days ago. And I started it on the week after Thanksgiving. I like to get it done with early.

What's on your wish-list?

Economic recovery for this country, peace between the countries that are at war, and a little understanding for everyone. Oh, and I wouldn't mind a Wii.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Some people say it was lost a long time ago. I don't agree. People say that NYC isn't a very friendly place, but if you actually lived here, you'd see that the Christmas spirit is alive and well. I go on the subway, and people will still give their seats to someone who's old or injured, and people are still nice enough to hold the door for you. I see the Salvation Army asking for donations, and they still get them. No matter how much Christmas is commercialized, I still think that some folks still remember what it should stand for.

[Asilynne]

I wish I could see some of that christmas kindness -.- I owe money, and even though Ive been paying it off every month, the damn bastards decided they wanted to try and milk me for more so they took me to court again a week before christmas, made me miss my last college class of the semester too >.< I really need some christmas spirit, I feel like Bob Kratchet lol

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I have been to several "pikkujoulut" already. Pikkujoulu is directly translated "little Christmas" and it's a celebration that a community, your workplace, for instance, arranges. There is often Santa Claus giving some presents beforehand. I envied the Santa in one pikkujoulu because this girl l have a crush on sat on his knee for a long time. I should have yelled "I want to be Santa Claus next year!".

Speaking of negative feelings, perhaps this should be in the Non-Christmas thread but one bad thing about Christmas is that negative memories and loneliness come to your mind if you think too much of things. Not every Christmas is a happy one.

[Asilynne]

Awww dont worry Mikachu just get her a lil gift or something :> lol

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

The problem is, we have already discussed the subject of me having a crush on her and she said I should think it over again. And she was wearing so beautiful clothes in the pikkujoulu. I said I couldn't help looking at her there, and she said she felt difficult when I say things like that. Now I don't even dare to open my mouth to her.

And yes, I know this thread isn't 'Help Mikachu Yukitatsu to get a girlfriend'.

[Andrew]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

- I have a ton of debts (Short term) after moving and going on my month long trip. So coming home to 2gs worth of bills is sad. I am going Christmas shopping after... Christmas. At this point, apart from a few friends, and my mum and sis, no one else is getting anything.

2. What's on your wish-list?
- Cologne. I love smelling nice. Or a man. OR a sexy man WITH a gift of cologne for me.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
-I don't remember a time when Christmas wasn't commercial.

[MToolen]

It took until Christmas Eve, but I believe I'm done shopping. My girlfriend won't get on here so I feel safe telling you guys this. We've been dating for what seems like forever (5 years in March; started in 8th grade) and she's been pestering me about getting engaged. A few months ago, I was a bit strapped for cash, so I told her blatantly that I wouldn't be giving her a ring for Christmas. Now, about a month ago, my parents gave me back some money they had borrowed. In the course of the past week, I've asked her parents' permission, bought the ring, and formulated the plan.

After we get back from a dinner tonight, I'll say I need to go to church to get something. You should know that we met at church, started dating there, even had our first kiss (among other things) there; also, it's across the street from my house. Her brother will have placed the ring and some flowers under a Christmas tree that will be lit on the platform. I'll mutter that someone must have left the tree on and just happen to notice something under the tree.

So yeah, TPM. Should it all go according to plan, I'm getting engaged tonight!

[Heald]

It took until Christmas Eve, but I believe I'm done shopping. My girlfriend won't get on here so I feel safe telling you guys this. We've been dating for what seems like forever (5 years in March; started in 8th grade) and she's been pestering me about getting engaged. A few months ago, I was a bit strapped for cash, so I told her blatantly that I wouldn't be giving her a ring for Christmas. Now, about a month ago, my parents gave me back some money they had borrowed. In the course of the past week, I've asked her parents' permission, bought the ring, and formulated the plan.

After we get back from a dinner tonight, I'll say I need to go to church to get something. You should know that we met at church, started dating there, even had our first kiss (among other things) there; also, it's across the street from my house. Her brother will have placed the ring and some flowers under a Christmas tree that will be lit on the platform. I'll mutter that someone must have left the tree on and just happen to notice something under the tree.

So yeah, TPM. Should it all go according to plan, I'm getting engaged tonight!

Good luck man! Hope the plan goes ok!

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Hm, Christmas is the time of love.

Some Christmas magic here at TPM is also that Crazy Elf Boy returned. I see him brandishing a huge sword, saving TPM as we know it. Seriously.

Merry Christmas TPM, I've already got my presents here in Finland. Mostly clothes and fabric from my mother.

[Jeff]

I'm getting ready to go to church right now. My sister's fiancé should be here soon. (As a side note, I now believe that God made me a Pokémon fan so that I can type an accented e ) He'll be spending Christmas with us, I just hope he knows what he's getting himself into. With the five of us, Christmas gets pretty crazy.

We opened the gifts we bought for each other today. I got The Dark Knight from my brother. My other brother got the new Mummy movie, which we'll be watching after dinner tonight. Then after dinner, it's off to bed to open our presents in the morning. I'll be sure to be back with a full report when the time comes.

[Asilynne]

Im about to go over my dads house and spend the night over there tonight so Im already there early christmas morning XD Itll be just like old times, except now we all know (Spoiler:) that santa isnt real XD dont wanna be the one to scar some kid so we ll all probably going to stay up late tonight playing games and laughing at stupid shit :>
Merry christmas all

[DarkestLight]

Right before the big day.

Started? No. I don't buy gifts unless absolutely necessary. I usually get a bunch of free things in the mail that other people want, so I wrap it and give it to them! Simple as that.

Weird, I just got another copy of Cloverfield, LOL. Sorry Blade

Wish-list
Yeah, I kinda want all the new Sonic Games. Another DS would be nice so I can trade with myself with no aggravation whatsoever.Uhh that's really all, sides some work shirts and khaki's. Go fig :/

Oh lie (here we go, lol) Black Timberlands. I need a pair

Comercial?:

DS said it best. Live in the same place. Its still here. Yeah Black Friday was crazy (nowhere near as crazy as 1998, that was a fun year) but ehh, at the end, the Economy sucks, people are still buying stuff, its all the same to me.

Dun really have Christmas celebrations, I know my mom's side cooks food but its nothing like Thanksgiving. Basically, Ima wake up, scratch my balls and then play Wii ALL. DAY!

[Mew Master]

5 years? That's nothing. Sarah and I have been dating for the last 8 (8 years in March)

[MToolen]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

[Little_Pikachu]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

I should hope so since she was the one who's been pestering you about getting engaged o_O

Just wanna say merry Christmas to you all and I hope you all have a great day even if you don't celebrate Christmas!

[PancaKe]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

YAY OMG YAY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and woooo. Post pics. I demand pics.

so yeah I'm very excited for you.

and seeing as it's christmas day in Australia already; merry Christmas!!!

[Ghost]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

Pics or it didn't happen.

Lol, just kidding, Congratulations though man. I bet it's a great feeling, i wouldn't know because I'm only 16 ><

Regardless, merry christmas to all! (Or hannakuh/kwanza if you celebrate that instead)

[Crazy Elf Boy]

Merry Christmas everyone, this year was too bad and as Mikachu said as a special chirstmas gift to everyone on TPM I have returned to spread my own classic sarcastic comedy that fills hearts with joy and laughter.

[Jeff]

Christmas Eve is over in my house. The presents are under the tree and I'm in my Christmas pajamas. So before I call it a night tonight I just thought I'd pop in and say:

Merry Christmas to all, and to all (depending on what part of the world you live in) a good night!

[Heald]

Merry Christmas.

That is all.

[Bulbasaur4]

5 years? That's nothing. Sarah and I have been dating for the last 8 (8 years in March)

Doesn't matter how long a person has been dating another. All that matters are the feelings in that relationship, as all things are of different strengths and some do not need time to grow. ^_~

Sorry, just hate it when people compare how long they've been dating. I find it bothersome. ^^;


ANYWAY....


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I get to go fly on Christmas Day now. lol

[Ultimate Charizard]

Ok since its Crimbo morning here its time for Present Lists so we can all see who are the spoiled kids (shh, i know im 25!)

Soooo.....

Dark Night, Hancock,(...WHERES IRONMAN?!!) Diesel Cologne box set, FCUK Urban smelly set, Lynx Smelly set, Gillete Fusion Power Stealth (cheesy but awesome name) Shaving box set, Socks (as always), 2 Shirts and £75 in cash

Oh yeah and a Big Ass bottle of Jack. Woot!

[Blademaster]

Don't worry about it, Darkly - I got the DVD, too. As well as Fallout 3 for the Xbox360.

You know... I only got two gifts, and this year we had no tree, lights, decorations, stockings, or snow...

But, for whatever reason... I honestly don't mind... I think it's because since I came here today, I've been seeing all you guys happy.

Heald is probably drunk off his ass.

Shazza has a new puppy.

MToolen has a new WIFE.

A shitload of new Fanfics and ASB-er's have come to light.

And I have a special little something prepared for a member here later, another of whom is doing the same for me.


Guess it goes to show you... Commercial or not, the Spirit of Christmas is still VERY alive.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

[shazza]

I've had the puppy since November 2007.

My Christmas was shit. My father has lost the spirit this year so there was no tree and I got no presents from him OR any of my friends. We didn't do anything family orientated like usual and I had the worst hangover ever.

Merry Christmas.

[Jeff]

Some clothes, including some much-needed jeans and a new coat, National Treasure 2, Indiana Jones (the new one), Animal Crossing: City Folk, Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and other stuff.

Of course, we also got the gift of spending this year with the newest member of our family: our future brother-in-law, or as I like to call him, our brother from another mother.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I should have pointed this out earlier, it's already 6:17 AM (!) here in Finland and the 26th of December. But I just want to show you this "mobiilikuusi" (literally mobile spruce) here in Ylivieska, my current hometown. They say it's the biggest Christmas tree in the world, I wonder if they are right.

[Greyfox]

My parents treated me nicely this year, as they always do. They couldn't find a lot on the list that I gave 'em, but what they did get exeeded my wants greatly.

: Lego Star Wars (Wii -- the only game I actually got).
: The Office, seasons 1 - 4 (last year they gave me the entire series of Arrested Development, which was also great).
: Two hats -- one fedora, one jockey's.
: Remote-controlled dragonfly (I wasn't even aware someone made this thing, but it looks strangely fun and it brings out the child in me).
: Box of colognes and candles (They really must want me to bring them a girlfriend).
: And the usual socks and calender and whatnot. Trivial.

My parents are pretty awesome.