This Christmas...

Christmas 2011 was a quiet Christmas, just like last year.

And an Oldgirl likes that.

We don't have big sweeping family Christmases anymore. No unwrapping of gifts, no fanfare, no big dinners. None of that. I think the problem with me, as with my sister, there was SO much competition: who bought the best gifts, etc., that as adults, it is just desired to treat it as another day, remembering the true reason for the season, and to keep things... quiet.

But me and my sister, we got together. I decided to go over to her house. She likes to cook, and since I cooked for Thanksgiving, she cooked for Christmas.

She made fried chicken, collard greens, green bean casserole, rice, and a cheesy potato casserole. She also made sweet potato pie, and she had german chocolate cake from a bakery we love.

And you know me. I never go anywhere empty handed.

I sauteed some purple cabbage, and I made field peas.

I also made something she has been asking for since March: some gumbo.

She was shocked when I showed up with that. I don't make it because I don't really eat much meat anymore, so I don't see the point. Plus there is a good vegan version at my local natural foods co-op, so no need to make it.

But I gave her enough to freeze up. Let's just say she is good for 2012.

Kentucky always gives the nicest gifts. She listens real hard, and that's how she buys her gifts. (I, on the other hand, am not quite as savvy).

I mentioned awhile ago that I wanted a tea kettle, and was looking for one. And that is what she got me.


Very high class and sheek. It does not look like your typical tea kettle.

She also gave me some pads that she's been raving about.

*crickets*

That is all right, because hey, let's face it, we always need that!

LOL

It reminds me of my Mother's Christmas gift to my Aunt for so many years: an economy box of Maxithins. Sometimes the oversized box would be gift wrapped, or it would be in a plastic bag. Either which way, they would pass it quietely between themselves.

We weren't as quiet about it!

I told my sister I didn't get her anything. She was fine with that. Neither of us want anything, just to have a drama free time.

However, I did get her a gas card.

She was HAPPY about that!

And she got her gumbo! She was BEYOND thrilled about that.

We had a nice time. We watched a couple of movies Little Red Riding Hood, and The Lovely Bones. Both good, but strange. I had the itis, i.e., dozed on the sofa after eating. We had a good talk about life and things going on with each of us, and what we learned about this year, and what we see for the upcoming year.

I had a good time with my sister. Can't wait for next year!!