Being that we are now a
multi-cultural family we have decided to try and celebrate lots of
different winter holidays.  I have been having fun learning about
new celebrations.  I've noticed that most of them revolve around
light.  This time of year being so dark, I like this.  My
elder daughter is excited about this idea because she thinks she will
be getting gifts for all of the holidays we celebrate.  That is
actually very amusing, since I tend to go the other way about
commercialism/buying/shopping and she knows this.

My friend told me that they do
'festivus' - as made-up by George's father in Seinfeld.  I never
saw this episode, but I don't get TV reception, and we are slowly
watching the DVD stuff; it hasn't gotten to that episode yet. 
Anywho, festivus starts in their family with St. Nicholas day, where
everyone has hot chocolate with whipped cream in a special Santa
mug.  Followed by St. Lucia day where the eldest girl in the
family makes breakfast for everyone.  There is a floating Hindu holiday
called Diwali where the house gets lit up with candles and the kids get
to light sparklers outside.  Boxing Day/St.Stephen's Day is a day
dedicated to the helping of those less fortunate.  The list of
celebrations can go on for as long or as short as one wants. 

For one of the days we want to add
a board game marathon.  This is a major concession on my part, I
don't like to play competitive games.  I have been learning,
however, not to be so stuffy and just have fun without worrying about
winning or losing. 

I mean, if you're going to hate me, at least make it for a good reason!