Xmas at Minas Morgul

[prog]

This is the first year that I have really and truly participated in holiday gift-shopping. At no time in the past has the year ended as it is now, with me possessing, at the same time, a) lots of friends and b) a little extra money. I find that this has nicely evaportaed all my previous Grinchicism about the season. I purchase thoughtful things for my friends because I choose to do so, not because I am a gluttonous robo-consumer. Go me.

Actually, I haven't obtained that many gifts; just things for my housemates, some older friends up north, and my parents & brothers. This is still way more into the spirit than I've ever gotten, though, and I look forward to it just getting worse as time passes (assuming I can hang onto my job). Next stop, of course, is Cthulhia's Epiphany Thing, but I am waiting until after the 25th before I start in on that business.

Last night we had our little tree ceremony at Minas Morgul. I gave N&M a copy of Knizia's Lord of the Rings board game, and so did N's grandma, so they have two now. (Ever-practical M suggested that both games be kept for later divvying when someone moves out.) M gave me an Episode I Jabba the Hutt toy that oozes phlegm when you squeeze its head. Rock. Lots of people gave lots of other people chocolate, and so everyone had a little chocolate. A fine holiday.