December 25, 2001
1:57pm

My Christmas this year has been a bit disappointing. Perhaps it's a symptom of growing up. Perhaps it's the weather's half-hearted attempt to snow. Perhaps it's the fact that my mom didn't even bother to decorate the tree. I can't quite put my finger on the reason why. I suppose Christmas shouldn't be any different. It's still a celebration of Jesus' birth. However, with all that's happened this year, Jesus probably seems a little farther away than He once did.

I'm grateful that some things have not changed. I'm still able - no, expected - to stay at my childhood home during the holiday. I still get to devour the same kind of delicious butter cookies I used to leave out for Santa when I was little. I still hear loud random cussing coming from the kitchen as mom makes Christmas dinner. I'm glad I still have these things a while longer. It may not be this way next year.

My best friend Susan stayed over on Saturday. She bought over Full Metal Jacket and Night of the Living Dead for us to watch. They were movies which - to my shame - I had never seen before. I rented Harold and Maude for Susan, who hadn't seen it. It's one of my favorites.

Mom and I saw Lord of the Rings Sunday. It was just as excellent as I had hoped. The imagery was absolutely gorgeous. I recommend it highly.

Susan gave me a big bag of Milk Chocolate M&M's (which I love) and a container of chocolate powder for Christmas. The container has a picture of Tigger pushing Pooh and Piglet on a sled. Tigger is having fun, but both Pooh and Piglet appear to be hanging on for dear life. Pooh can't even blink because Piglet is clinging to his forehead so tightly. It's pretty funny.

My mom gave me a Wedding Singer DVD with '80s karaoke songs on it. I can't wait to try it.