Holiday Cheer

As has become our tradition, we took the girls to sit on Santa's lap at Stanford Shopping Center (or is it "Centre?" I wouldn't be surprised...). There is a weird new "Enchanted Redwood Forest" set—comprised mostly of fake grey boulders—that attempts to offer up some nature education while you're waiting in line. Did you know, for example, that a redwood tree can grow up to 300 feet tall? But placed within the context of standing in line to sit on Santa's lap, do you care? Weird. I much prefer the candyland-on-crack set of yesteryear. Give me back the garish colors, the phallic columns topped with mounds of whipped cream (oh, I see. Perhaps someone complained about this?), the fake snow, and Santa's velvet chair! Maybe it was just me, but Santa looked a little uncomfortable—not to mention undignified—sitting on a redwood bench.

Ah, well.

The good news is that the operation's camera broke down and they were forced to allow the use of personal cameras, thus saving consumers anywhere from $21.00 - $50.00 in Santa fees. Yes!

Post-nap, we headed to the city for a family get-together. After a right-cheery feast of fabulous flavors, we commenced with the always hilarious White Elephant exchange. Standouts this year included a Star Wars shaving kit, a pewter wind-up ram (as in the animal) that played "Climb Every Mountain," and a pristine 4 LP set of "Clivillés + Cole: Greatest Remixes Vol. 1 - DJ Bonus Pack." Uncle J. couldn't resist an opportunity to put his beyootiful turntable to use, which in turn caused my cousuncle Paqui to revisit some of his "Krush Groove"-inspired moves. It was too much, I tell you. (Hey Delfinos—look for pix soon over at Kuwentuhan).

Today is the first day of Winter break, and the girls are quite happily still lounging around in their pajamas (um, me too). In time we'll get our act together and head over the river and through the woods to Lolo and Lola's house. Once there, we will be but a stone's throw from Clement St., home of Green Apple Books and my favorite Vietnamese sandwiches. You are so jealous it's ridiculous.