Christmas this year was most definately different. All of the family was poured into my parents new home. Without internet, without television, without... anything but alcohol and ourselves for amusement.

I felt very chic leaving our apartment with our bags packed, arriving at their sprawling house on the water with our perfectly wrapped packages. Sliding along the hardwood floors into the warm sunroom overlooking the water. Watching Dad smoke his pipe in his cozy little den. All quite adorable and sweet.

For the first four hours.

Afte that--time stretched before us like a fat lady looking at spandex leggings. Possible to fill, but brutal.

It wasn't so bad. We joyfully plied the parents with spirits. We cooked dinner and washed dishes, cooked breakfast and washed dishes, cooke... you get the idea. There was little left for us to do but eat and wash dishes. My hands are sufficiently dried out and I have sworn off food for the next week.

It was a cozy weekend of family togetherness. Yes, that shall last me quite nicely until next year.