Christmas at home

I didn't even realize what I loved about the holidays and my family before I came here:

How my dad offers to bring us slices of pie.
How my mom gives us news updates on the most random things.
Everyone in their pjs in the parents room to watch tv.
Nick's jokes.
Copper shaking so that his collar jingles and his toenails scratch the floor.
Or going to Chicago and actually having to wear boots and gloves to go outside.
Seeing snow.
Eating delicious meals at Cathy's or out.
Kids running up and down the basement stairs.
Apples to Apples and other games played around the kitchen table after dinner.
Catching up with the aunts.
Home videos being pulled out.
Family gift exchanges as people drop by.
Going downtown to a play or for shopping or for eating somewhere wonderful.
Aunt Chris's delicious food as the Oschman brothers are reunited for an afternoon-long comedy sketch.
Gretchen chatting and laughing.
Old stories told again and again and again, especially if a newcomer is present.

Christmas is almost the worst part because then the anticipation is gone, then people leave again...
Until next year!