*12/24/08, Wednesday – Christmas is always special for me. It is a time when everyone is at their happiest and most generous state. Henry and I drove to New Jersey for the Lee family Christmas gathering. There were tons of gifts around the Christmas tree that it was hardly believable we were in a period of recession. After Henry and I partook of dinner, I ended up playing hooking up the PS2 to play Guitar Hero. Later on, everyone gathered around the tree, took pictures and opened presents. Henry’s family was kind enough to have presents for me as well. I got Emporio Armani Diamonds perfume from Henry’s Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jean, Bath and Body Works lotion (sweet pea) and a small glass basket with a handle from Henry’s Uncle Herman and Aunt Betty, a Best Buy gift certificate from Mike, Ryan and Michelle, Bronx Zoo mugs from Helen, a big book on “How to Say It” and a small purse from Henry’s Mom and Dad, and a necklace from Henry’s grandmother. The funny thing is that the necklace was in a box of boxer briefs for Henry, which was an item that I had been looking to get for Henry recently and it amused us so that we received it from his Grandmother! Afterwards, I played tons of Rock Band. Stephanie and Michelle ended up dozing off while Helen, Christine and I kept motivated in unlocking more songs. We stayed up until 4:30am.

*12/25/08, Thursday – Merry Christmas! I woke up late, at dinner and played more Rock Band. There was a huge gift under the Christmas tree and Henry said Santa came over last night and left a present. It was a gift from Henry. I wondered what it was. I didn’t know if it was the same size as the Rock Band gift that Stephanie got for Christmas. It was wise of Henry not to bring it out the night before so that the comparison wasn’t obvious. It ended up being Guitar Hero World Tour for the Xbox 360! It was a smart decision since I already had a guitar for the 360 and this would just get me a complete set! I could also probably download songs this way and not use up any more memory from my PS2 card. I sat there in awe of my gift. Henry’s family was in awe as well. It’s such a great group that I could share my love of games such as these with. After that, we gathered all our belongings and headed back to New York. On our way home, we stopped by to see the window displays of Bloomingdale’s to squeeze the last bit of Christmas left.

Gallery: http://calbearmnm.smugmug.com/gallery/6962521_QcUDk