A Pfister Christmas

I was talking to a guy last week who said he and his wife were ready for Christmas. They were giving each other one present.

One present?

That doesn't compute in the Pfister family. We're all about excessive giving when it comes to Christmas presents. Even in years when we say that we're going to cut back, there are still lots of packages under the tree.

Speaking of trees, Shorty put up four this year. Two outside, one in the living room and another in the family room. Spartacus was so happy. She spent December alternating naps under the indoor trees.

My contribution to the madness. The pile is made up of gifts for Steven, Shorty, my Mom, my two Uncles and an Aunt, my Godparents and long-time friends of the family.

The pile by my parents' tree. Yes, that is poker on the TV. That's another family tradition; watching sports on TV. We caught some poker, basketball and football throughout the day.

Spartacus sniffed every package that came into the house. She also fell in love with my new leather jacket - I guess she likes Cologne d'Cow.

Steven and I showing page 82 of the WalMart cookbook. Shorty entered Grandma Edie's (his Grandma) Chocolate Cake recipe and it was selected for the national cookbook. He was pretty proud. He even autographed the pages for us.

Steven played the Christmas Elf (no elf ears, though) and handed out presents. He had to mug for the camera, of course. Notice his shirt - Miller Lite is another Christmas tradition...when I'm not drinking Brandy and Diet.

I was trapped...presents on either side of me and discarded wrapping paper in the front.

The aftermath...it's like Christmas regurgitated in my parents' family room. That was only Christmas Eve - they were more presents exchanged on Christmas Day.

Despite the apparent commercialism, the best part of the holiday was spending it with our extended family. We had a great time and it was nice to share the day with some of the people we love.