Ghosts of Christmases Past

Some traditions and festivities for your amusement, cited chronologically.

2006

Straight hair days and we-still-love-the-dogs days (I still love Blue.)

(Notice the Gator something-or-other behind me. That's a tradition.)

Toothless days?

Ah, a real tradition. Here my cousin, Kelly, is holding Raisin, a giant, stuffed (believe it or not) raisin. If I'm getting the story correct, my uncle won him at something years ago. Somehow my brother ended up with Raisin. I remember growing up with them (James and Raisin) and always wanting to play with Raisin. James would make special deals with me so I could play with Raisin. Realizing that I liked Raisin more than he did (and also that he could use this to his advantage), James gave Raisin to me for Christmas one year.

And the next year.

And the year after that.

And the following year.

He's usually the grand finale gift. (Meaning that after all the presents are opened, James goes back to my closet and then makes a grand re-entrance with Raisin.)

Raisin sits in my closet as I type. Naturally, I assume he'll resurface on the 25th.

2007

I'm so heartbroken Tsu won't be spending Christmas with us this year!

:)

Ahh, the days of choice white elephant gifts!

The artificial Christmas tree is a yearly tradition >_<

Thankfully, the bow is not.

Amanda and Rex joined the festivities this year. We like Rex and all (look at that devil face!), but Amanda's the real keeper.

Julia and I became a little more fashionable this year.

2008

Displaying gator gear/memorabilia, and BCS tickets! Sadly, there'll be none of those this year. :(

(Rest assured, though. There will still be Gator attire, talk of Tebow, and season reruns.)

Bed-head and polka-dotted leggings. Now there's a tradition for you!

Another pug was also brought into our family in 2008.

Fun trips in the cool weather. :)

My, my, we just keep getting more and more fashionable as time passes. What's more fashionable than downtown WP?

Tyler and his family became a more important part of my life in 2008, so we partied with them, too.

And thiiiiis

is just a M male tradition at any event.