Jack's First Christmas

Jack's first Christmas has come and gone. From this point on, he's allowed to be disappointed. Since he had nothing with which to measure this festive season's festiveness, he was completely pleased. Next year, however, he'll be better prepared to be cynical. For his parents, the pressure'll be on.

The 23rd was a pretty intense night. The Fehlers (the parents of my pal Wes and Grandparents of Jack's pal Nate), the Rolands (my parents' neighbours and yearly hosts of that neighbourhood's Christmas party) and Mojo's friends Sarah and Morgan were all having parties. If that's not enough, I ended up having to take over hosting duties for this year's Nog Night, which is one of the most fun, and generally most debauched, nights of the year. There's a 3 hour settling period between the completion of the mixing of the Nog and when it's ready for drinking. It was during this window that Mojo, Jack and I decided to hit the parties that needed hitting.

We began at the Fehlers, as there was a scheduled appearance by Santa Claus we wanted to make. Jack and Nate took this opportunity to take a first look at each other and to decide, yep, you're another baby. Next year, maybe they'll be able to advance their opinions of each other. This was my time meeting Nate, and I was really happy to make his acquaintance. With his parents, he's going to grow up to have a hell of a sense of humour or some serious complexes. Just like Jack.

When Santa showed up, crawling from the sidehatch in his scarlet, bejinglebelled garb with a hardy HO HO HO, Jack, naturally, cried. He got over it pretty quickly, though, by indulging in the always soothing hand chewing and gazing at the bearded elf who proved to be generally benign. Eventually Jack was ballsy enough to sit near Santa and receive a gift.

Jack and his Dad at the Fehlers.

Obligatory group shot, which Jack up front and Nate in the arms of Santa.


Wes and Nate get close up with the jolly old elf.


Jack realises that Santa isn't scary, and his Dad gets way too excited about a gift.


Jack and Nate, hanging out on the floor.


Jack models his new Ramones bib (a gift from Nate's folks) as Nate digs a soother.


Former high school asexuals display proof that they're no longer virgins.

Somehow, after the Fehler's party, I forgot to take any pictures. The Roland's party was a good time, as always, and Nog Night was the ridiculous piss up it always is. During the drinking, Jack was with his always sober Mom, first at her friends' party and later sequestered in the basement away from the noisy intoxicated crowd.

Christmas has always been a special day for me. I'm not a religious man by any stretch (borderline Agnostic, if you must know). I love Christmas not because it's the celebration of the birth of anyone in particular (though Rod Serling's pretty cool) but because it's an excuse to be with one's family. Since my family has changed significantly since last Dec 25, this particular celebration held a special quality. Jack had a wonderful time, got a bunch of great swag and was the centre of familial love for a full day. Sorry I'm not funnier here. Pretend I just farted. Is that better?

Jack and Opa under in the glow of the Christmas tree.


Jack examines a gift.


Okay, here's where I expose what a huge wuss I am. For Christmas, I gave Jack my first Christmas gift. This teddy bear and I were inseparable for more years than I'd like to admit. When Jack opened the gift bag containing Teddy, he looked at him for a few moments before leaning forward and giving him a gentle kiss on the nose. I began to cry. Then my brother joined in. It was touching, alright? Get off my back.


Jack and his Grandma open a gift.


CD cases are delicious.

More goodies for Jack.


To the right of Jack is a handmade wooden car from his Dad's oldest friend.


Having been bothered by camera's for too long, Jack tried to hide in the pot drawer.