christmas memories

Growing up, I wasn't allowed to come out of my room on Christmas morning until my parents were up. Some years, my stocking was in my room, so I could open that first before my parents got up. Most of the time, it wasn't, and I would get up (not too early), open my door, creep down the hallway to see what I could see under the tree, without actually going all the way to the tree.

I would start making noise (going to the bathroom, closing my door loudly, etc). Then I'd have to wait until my dad had the camera ready before I could come out, so he could take a picture of me when I first came out. This went on all through high school.

When I got older, high school, college, and older, I didn't have to have a picture taken as I walked down the hallway, but I would come out, talk to my parents, have cinnamon rolls and pretend like I wasn't interested in opening presents. Then when enough time has passed to be acceptable, I'd open my stocking and then presents. Since my dad loves taking pictures, there are pictures of me every year holding up various presents.

Growing up, my favorite christmas album was Wayne Newtown Christmas, on vinyl no less. First side of album one was the best. I remember thinking it was a girl singing when I was younger, because he had a high voice. Anne Murray christmas later became my favorite, and I have a lot of her songs in itunes.

And now T and I get to make our own traditions. I'm looking forward to that, as much as I looked forward to sneaking down my parents' hallway to get a glimpse of what was under the tree.