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| Title: | Welcome to Friends! |
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| Moderator: | POWDML::VENTURA |
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| Created: | Mon Mar 09 1992 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 437 |
| Total number of notes: | 35174 |
182.0. "CHRISTMAS 1993 - transferred from STANDBY conference" by MEOC02::CASEY (MEO78B::CASEY ..in truth!) Thu Feb 10 1994 12:35
<<< SNOC02::DISK$CC121:[SALES_NOTES]STANDBY.NOTE;2 >>>
-< The Interim "FRIENDS" Conference >-
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Note 19.0 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 11 replies
MEOC02::CASEY "MEO78B::CASEY ..in truth!" 73 lines 26-DEC-1993 05:28
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Well, right now it's nearly 5:00am on Boxing Day here. Yesterday was
one zinger as busy days go. We all arose at about 6:30am which was when
the in-laws arrived to see our two daughters open their presents.
So, after a quick cup of tea, the more serious aspect of opening up all
of the many parcels at the base of the Christmas tree got under way.
The daughters got lots of precious items, including new SONY Walkmans,
various craft kits, CDs, etc etc etc. I gave Chris a garden arch made
of Brunswick green colour metal, plus 2 CDs - 1 being the famous
classical guitarist John Williams "The Seville Concert", the other
being an old Nat King Cole "Love Songs" CD. That evening, Elliarna, our
elder daughter reminded me that I'd clean forgotten to come forth with
a VHS video I'd purchased a while back and hidden away.. a Cliff
Richard music video entitled simply "Cliff".. his 1992 live concert
which we happened to attend when the show came to Melbourne.
My booty from Father Christmas is a 12volt DC in-car refrigerator - it
plugs into the cigarette lighter and will be VERY useful on long trips,
like the one we're doing to Queensland during January. The same unit
can be used in reverse cycle, whereupon it takes on the role of being a
food warmer.. so I can now lay dubious claim that mine is the ONLY car
hereabouts which has its own built-in pie warmer! hehehe
After all of the wrapping paper had been cleared away, a start was made
on Christmas Lunch - or as we call it quite incorrectly, Christmas
Dinner. We had a big turkey this year, along with all the trimmings
including roast vegetables and Cranberry Sauce. Sweets consisted of the
traditional steamed Christmas Pudding. (We're quite proud of our
Christmas Pudding here - we've (Chris) derived a recipe which is just
perfect.. not too heavy.. not too light.. not too moist.. not too
dry..not too sweet.. not too sour... PERFECT. There was brandied
custard spread liberally over the pudding, together with whipped cream
and/or ice cream.
Diana, our younger daughter, eleven, had done a fantastic job of laying
out the table, complete with Christmas serviettes (USA=napkins),
Christmas serviette holders, a Christmas centrepiece, glass containers
of various sweets, etc. Top marks for that!
After lunch, everybody just flaked - it was close to 80 deg F here -
and later that afternoon, we drove the 15 minutes or so it takes to
drive to Frankston to visit Chris' parents. Chris' brother and his
wife, Graham and Suzanne, have 3 children and they too joined the fray.
We all chatted gleefully for some time, whereupon Grandpa and Grandma
shelled out their gifts to the grandchildren. By this time, everybody
was quite hyped up and dinner was over in somewhat of a rush. Then, just
as things had settled down, somebody put an album on Grandpa's stereo -
one of the "Switched On" series - "Switched On Christmas". This
"Switched On" series of LPs/CDs is an up-beat music collection which
has a great dance beat, so next thing, everybody was up and dancing
quite vibrantly.
About 10:15pm, we all realised it was time for us to get the littlies
of to bed - they were "dog tired" as we say - and so a start was made
on cleaning up. Finally, almost as a tradition these days, we all
tumbled into our cars and went to see the big tree at the centre of
Frankston which is bedecked with coloured lights every year.. and we
all stood about in awe at the base of what is a magnificent big Norfolk
Island Pine Tree.
And so to home, a lovely cup of tea, and off to bed around midnight.
Now, I have awoken and it is Boxing Day. For lunch today, we have about
20 guests dropping by from my side of the family. We'll be having a
big, traditional Christmas Lunch (Dinner) just as we did yesterday and
the festivities all start over again - not as intense as yesterday, but
just as busy.. like a day-long party on a sunny day here.
Gee.. that reminds me .. I have to go and get a few bags of crushed ice
to keep the beer cold...
Don
*8-)
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Note 19.1 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 1 of 11
LEVERS::WOODFORD "Mother Therasa, at your service" 61 lines 28-DEC-1993 23:22
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Sounds great Don! :*)
OK, my Holiday story....
Friday night, Christmas eve, I was sick, but not too sick to enjoy the
company of a very good friend, at my home. :*) Thanks again for the
beautiful ornaments! Alan finished wrapping the last of the presents
to go under the tree, and we set all up to look as though a very
wealthy santa had come to visit! hehe :*) The kids spent the night at
their father's house, so we awoke late the next morning, and went to
pick up the boys.
From there, we went to my parent's house for a big Christmas dinner
with my entire family. (except for my brother who couldn't make it home
for the holidays, but we all got to talk to him on the phone.)
We had turkey, ham, potatoes, squash, peas, cranberry sauce, salad,
apple sauce, turnip, and an assortment of pies and sweets.
When all the food was cleaned away, and the tables folded up, we
started to hand out presents from the ocean of gifts around the tree.
We have a tradition that all the children, under 18, have to play
santa, and pass out all the presents under the tree before they can
open any of their own. My two boys are the only ones this year, so
they dutifully passed out presents, then crashed into all of theirs.
I'd list what they got, but it would take a month!!!! They get very
spoiled this time of year. Their gifts did include a full size,
regulation, computerized air hockey table, a mini pool table, erector
sets, lincoln logs, sand art, books, clothes, levi's jackets, hiking
boots, etc. etc. etc.!! :*)
I got Alan a camera, several rolls of film, and several shirts, plus
the VCR which was a birthday and christmas present. He got lots of
clothes, two beer steins to add to his collection, a huge tool chest
filled with tools, some books, and a video rewinder, among other
things.
I received a pair of Irish Claddah earrings, a portable CD boom-box,
a pair of gold filligree hoop earrings, two sweaters, a black suede
skirt, stirrup pants, a floor lamp, a crock pot, a mix master, and a
beautiful amethyst pendant, among many other things! I felt like I was
a little kid getting spoiled rotten this year too!!
Saturday night we went home, and the kids opened their presents from
santa at the house, and we all stayed up till midnight playing video
games and slot cars! Sunday we went to Alan's mother's house to have a
roast beef dinner and exchange gifts over there. More fun! :*) And,
we still arent done!!! Next sunday we have to get together with Alan's
father, his wife, their children, Alan's brother, his wife and their
kids, for another dinner and more gift exchanges! I still have about
thirty unopened gifts under my tree for that occasion! :*)
All in all, even though I was sick, I had the best christmas I have had
in the last six years!
I hope everyone else had as good or better a day!!
MEGA_HUGS!!!
:*)
Terrie
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Note 19.2 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 2 of 11
USAT05::NOORDIJK "Seasons meetings" 25 lines 29-DEC-1993 02:06
-< Christmas day >-
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Well my whole family assembled around the tree by 11:00 am. Our
gift-opening tradition is one person plays Santa (this dubious duty
rotates year to year) and we go around the room opening gifts so
everyone can see what we get. It takes longer but is more enjoyable.
We didn't make my little 20 month old niece wait. When she was done
with hers, she wanted to start in on mine! :v)
I got a juicer, some of our Portmeiron china & accessories, hand
weights, CD's, tablecloth, cameo pendant (family heirloom), sweater,
pepper mill and me & my sweetie got our Wheelbarrow! I had to open
Mark's gifts too, which was sad somehow.
It snowed for about 15 minutes, heavily but never stuck to the ground.
That's the only time in 27 years of living here that it's snowed on
Christmas Day!!! Where I live (further north) got more snow and the
roads were bad that night. Glad I didn't go home!
We had a nice day, enjoying each other's company and most especially
the babies. Dinner was a Honey-baked Ham, green bean casserole, sweet
potato souffle, pasta salad & corn on the cob. Dessert was an awesome
pie that had chocolate mint layers in it - mmmm! There were enough
sweets around to sink a ship!
t.
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Note 19.3 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 3 of 11
CSC32::D_ROYER "You tucha my Karma, I breaka you fa" 14 lines 29-DEC-1993 02:24
-< Nice time too... >-
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Well, the Royer Clan, especially those in Colorado made out really
well this year.
I will tell of some of the things I received, a .35 Caliber Marlin
lever action rifle, tool chest filled with Craftman tools, a 2.25 ton
car jack, clothes of various types, 2.5" disks, some books, aftershave
and more that I probably forgot.
Dinner we had roast Prime rib of beef, and spiral sliced honey baked
ham. Lots of other goodies to go along with that.
One of the very best Christmasses ever.
Dave
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Note 19.4 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 4 of 11
AYRPLN::VENTURA "Deck the halls ... DON'T SAY IT!!" 52 lines 29-DEC-1993 02:56
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Out christmas started on christmas eve when all of my in-laws came to
our house for christmas eve dinner and a gift exchange. The dinner was
wonderful (Bob cooked dinner!). After we were finished cleaning up
after dinner (it was great! His grandmother INSISTED on doing all of
the dishes!!), we exchanged gifts.
Bob played "santa" and gave out the gifts one at a time so we could see
everyone open their gifts. He gave me my gift from him and everyone
watched as I opened the big box, only to find another wrapped box inside.
Yes, I kept unwrapping until I came down to this tiny little box from
Ross Jewlers. I opened it up and inside was this little xmas pin
(plastic little kitten with a present) and a note. The note said "I
hope you had fun with this, your real xmas present is in the closet in
the other room". I had to go into the closet and get this other rather
large box! I opened it up and found this absolutely georgeous long
leather and suede coat! It's beautiful!
Anyway, we exchanged the rest of the gifts and had dessert. LOTS of
pastries that both his mother and I had made. There's TONS left over.
Bob opened his gift from me that night as well. I gave him a home
brewing kit and a celtics jacket.
The next day, we slept a bit late. My father showed up at my house at
9:30. We gave him his gift there (a mini stereo system), and he
brought up our gift (a carpet steamer!). We then went over to my
mother's house and had our traditional "christmas pie". What we do is
put all of the christmas gifts on the dining room table (some usually
go on the floor because all of them won't fit!) and put a big sheet
over it. Then we all sit around the table. The youngest person at the
table starts by pulling a gift from under the sheet and reads who it's
to and who it's from. Then they give the person the gift and they open
it. Then the next youngest person pulls out a gift and does the same,
and we keep going until all of the gifts are gone. This way, everyone
gets to see what everyone got.
After the xmas pie, we had xmas dinner of turkey with all of the
fixings. Had more xmas dessert (left overs I had brought from xmas
eve).
What did I get? Lots of wonderful things. A "kitty cucumber"
collector statue of two silver tabby kittens in xmas clothes, a
beautiful cat necklace, a clock, an electric wok, and lots of other
pretty things. Bob got a great sweatshirt with all of the boston teams
on it, two partiots t-shirts, two beer steins, and some other "manly"
things. (-:
All in all, one of the best christmases we've had. Especially
considering this is our first christmas as husband and wife.
Holly
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Note 19.5 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 5 of 11
LUNER::DREYER "Jingle my bells!" 53 lines 29-DEC-1993 03:22
-< Some good, some sad. >-
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Christmas for my family this year had it's ups and downs. I haven't seen my
mom for a few months, and in that time she's aged 20 years and lost about 40
pounds that she didn't need to lose. She's gone through every kind of test
there is, and the doctors can't find anything wrong with her. Xmas Eve was
very bad for her. Xmas day was better.
We had Xmas at my folks, thanks to my sister. Susean went out on Tuesday to
clean, and early Xmas Eve to start cooking. Dad did the decorating for the
first time, and he did an impressive job!
An old friend of Susan's stopped by at 9:30, just as we were about to start
opening gifts, and stayed until about 11, delaying us a bit. We also like
to open gifts one at a time, so we can see what everyone gets. We used to give
a kiss for each gift, but somehow we didn't this year. By 1:30 we finished
opening all the gifts, there were alot! I got a beautiful pair of earrings
that I have admired for 2 years now, 2 pieces of blown glass, a shiatsu massager
a food dehyrator, a new iron (yes, I asked for this!), a comforter for my bed,
2 cookbooks, perfume, powder and lip gloss!
Dinner Xmas Eve was one of my sister's unusual combinations...fettucini with
sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, walnuts, feta and parmesan cheeses, and
artichoke hearts. I thought it was great...others has a different opinion!
Along with that was garlic bread and a nice salad. Appetizers beforehand
were shrimp cocktail, brie spread, cheeses, veggies and dip. Very good!
During gift giving, cookies and eggnogs were put out!
We all stayed over my parents, and had brunch with them, Eggnog French Toast,
before leaving to go to Steve's parents. Unfortunately his Aunt Ruth and Uncle
Bob couldn't make it, and they had *the* gift I wanted to see opened this year,
a pair of lawn chairs that I corded for them. There was a good crowd there,
and for the first time we convinced them we wanted to open gifts up one at
a time! We had drawn names this year for gift giving among the offspring, Steve
and I bought for his brother and sil down in Florida, and Steve's sister Ellen
was to buy for us. Apparently she misunderstood however, her gift to "us"
was a sweater and turtleneck shirt for Steve. I didn't say anything, of course,
and it really didn't bother me. I have too much stuff anyway!! I couldn't help
ribbing Steve when we left though, I told him the shirt was for me and the
sweater was for him!! He hadn't realized that I didn't get anything from her,
and was a bit upset when I told him, but I convinced him it really didn't
matter! I got a nice candle and a couple of novels from his parents, and his
grandmother gave us a nice check that we put into our kitty and will most
likely use for a nice dinner out!
Dinner was prime ribs, potatoes, rolls, carrots, pickles. The roast was very
good, his mom doesn't get into accompaniments much! Dessert was a Jubilee roll
from Friendlys, and cheesecake, which I had to pass up!
All in all, a good Christmas but a very sad Christmas for me.
Lola
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Note 19.6 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 6 of 11
CHEFS::WARRENJ "FizzBangWallop" 44 lines 29-DEC-1993 07:16
-< Tis the season to be Jolly >-
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Seems like you've all been having a wonderful time,. :-))
Our Christmas started on the Thursday prior to Christmas Eve when we
had people round for dinner, the Cognac got away lightly this time
round!
Christmas Eve was a fun time, with us leaving a mince pie and Brandy
(for Mother Christmas hehe) on the orders of our Daughter, Kathryn..
before she retired off to bed for the night, we all put our stockings
on the bedroom doors. Kathryn was way too excited to go to sleep
until quite late..but fortunately she eventually fell asleep before
we did.
Christmas Day started at 7.30am with Kathryn coming out of her room
and, upon seeing her filled stocking shrieking "He's been, he's been"
and dashing into our room, stocking in tow. We then all sat in bed and
opened the contents of our respective stockings. Kathryn did not
realise that Father Christmas had also been downstairs in our house and
left yet more presents under the tree! We all received some lovely
gifts.
We'd opted to spend Christmas at home this year, my parents called in
for the morning en route to my sister, we then sat down to a meal of
Salmon mousse, turkey, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots,
cranberry/port sauce (memory is going a bit now!) and what seemed like
a table full of food. Alan and I share a dislike for Christmas
pudding, so we had mince pies instead, cheese & biscuits, chocolates..
VERY full tummies.
Christmas Sunday (our Boxing Day was Monday!) saw the return of my
parents and we sat playing board games in during the afternoon/evening
after yet another heavy lunch! Goodness only knows what our neighbours
made of all the hilarity coming from our house.
Boxing Day, and off Alan's parents for the day..and yes, more
plentiful and tasty food (a family of healthy appetites!) and fun.
Today we went over to Alans brother and Sister-in-Law, and began to
plan a day/night out for us all.
For a quiet Chrismas, we seem to have been quite busy so far!
Jackie.
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Note 19.7 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 7 of 11
GLDOA::JWYSOCKI "Voice for rent - DTN 471-5059" 32 lines 30-DEC-1993 05:13
-< it's a long one..... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, let's see here.....
It all started Wednesday night when I took off from Detroit to
LaGuardia airport (New York City). I met a friend's parents and brother
there, and they took us back to Sag Harbor on Long Island.
Thursday was a run-around-and-do-errands day, with a cocktail party in
the evening for my friend's friend, who was named Police Officer of the
Year for the force that she works on. Then it was off to dinner (my
gift to my friend's parents).
Friday was spent doing more running around, and cooking of the goodies
for Christmas Eve. Everyone came over to my friend Kathleen's parents'
house and her brother played Santa, giving out the gifts to all of the
relatives. We finally made it back to Kathleen's at about 1:00 and
proceeded to open our gifts to each other - I received a nice wooly
sweater, while Kathleen and her friend Margaret made out like bandits!
Christmas morning it was back to Kathleen's parents' to whip up
breakfast (walnut buttermilk pancakes, from scratch, with cranberry
syrup) and open gifts from her parents. Her Mom & Dad got me a new
dress shirt. The remainder of the day was spent visiting friends and
family (Kathleen's, not mine) and ended up at about 2:00, with a trip
into New York City the follwing day.
It was a wonderful Christmas spent with friends, although I did miss my
own family and friends back home in Detroit. The best part is, though,
that I still have gifts to open (and to give!) when I return.
Java
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Note 19.8 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 8 of 11
MVDS02::BELFORTI "PFYOWS" 44 lines 3-JAN-1994 14:54
-< He had to work New Years Eve too.. I *HATE* his schedule! >-
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Christmas?? What is Christmas???
I took Thursday the 23rd off to go to the out-laws because it was the
only time Steven had to go to Sturbridge. We spent most of the day
with them, and then came home. Sarah had to go to school and work that
day, so she wasn't with us.
Friday, Christmas Eve., Steven went to bed at about 4:30, so that he
could get up at 11:00 to go to work. Seems there is no such thing as
holidays when you work for the railroad. I was just finishing up with
the last minute wrapping.
Christmas morning, I got up at about 7:30, lit the tree and started
putting the dinner together. Steven arrived home about 9:45, Brent came
down from his apartment in Concord about 11:15, we opened presents; eat
dinner and Steven went to bed about 2:00. Brent had stopped and had
breakfast with his girlfriend, and had to meet her at 6:00 to go to
dinner with her parents (at least he had some fun that day).
Sarah and I sat around all day watching the video's we got: Rush, Star
Wars, Opus' Christmas Wish, Fried Green Tomatoes.....
This year was very depressing; first with Brent no longer living at
home, and then with Steven having to work. I was so bummer out by the
whole thing that I took our tree down the day after Christmas, it had
only been up for 2 weeks (decorated for only 1).
I'm glad to see you all had wonderful times... and am glad you are
sharing them with the rest of us. Hopefully next year it will be
better for my family too! I guess I should be thankful we are all
healthy and fairly happy with our lives!
That's it! I *AM* happy for that! Gee, maybe I just needed to get
that off my chest (any more off there and I wouldn't have one..
heeheehee) to realize there is more to the Christmas Spirit then what I
was narrowly looking at!
Thanks for making me realize it! You guys are truly ::FRIENDS!
Hugs,
M-L
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Note 19.9 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 9 of 11
MEOC02::CASEY "MEO78B::CASEY ..in truth!" 6 lines 3-JAN-1994 21:32
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Hey.. we've scored a number of really good "full reports" about
Christmas (I hoped we would) ..so I'll make sure they get transferred
to ::FRIENDS when it returns - due back today, innit?
Don
*8-)
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Note 19.10 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 10 of 11
BBIV02::RAVISHANKAR 7 lines 3-JAN-1994 21:49
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re: .9
No Don. Richard said till 4th so I suppose I'll be available on
5th.
Ravi.
*8)
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Note 19.11 CHRISTMAS 1993 - Your FULL reports go here please.. 11 of 11
MEOC02::CASEY "MEO78B::CASEY ..in truth!" 6 lines 3-JAN-1994 21:57
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Re .10
That's OK.. no problem..whenever..
Don
*8-)
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