Drunk mommies

A yuletide tipple with Brett Paesel

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

I'm not sure that I have one that stands out so much as the clump of Christmases in my late childhood. My parents would track snow through the house at midnight or so and then wake us up saying, "Santa just left!" My brothers and I would run onto the balcony and scan the sky for Santa.  We even thought we saw him a few times.  Well after I stopped believing, I still participated in the whole thing with my younger brothers. 

What is the worst present you’ve ever given or received?

I've gotten a rash of extremely ill-advised presents from my husband who likes to surprise me.  This means that he wants to get me something I'd never dream of.  You can only imagine the results:  a purse made out of a traffic cone, a blouse stained with rust from a balistrade in New Orleans, bathroom fixtures that look like hands coming out of the wall. 

What are your plans for this Christmas?

My family will be visiting my parents' house in Madison, Wisconsin.  My father will have stuffed the house with pointsettia plants and will have made plans to do every possible Christmas activity. This may involve many cold concerts in churches, a visit to a home that opens it's doors to people to visit their two hundred Christmas trees inside, an expedition to see toy trains set up at a local botanical garden, and crazy gift exchange that we attend every year in which we are the only people under sixty.  Every year, my husband and I are having heated arguments in the bathroom about how exhausted we are dragging the children around to everything.  But every year we do it.

Are you giving any books as gifts this Christmas?

I'm giving my husband a new biography on Einstein.  I'm also giving my two boys several books on dragons -- their current obsession.  Every year I gather with my 'Mommies Who Drink' a couple of Fridays before Christmas, and we exchange used books and CDs. It's great fun and doesn't cost us a thing!

Is there a certain book which you’d love to receive this Christmas?

I'm a huge reader, so I love getting books. I just read "The Sheltering Sky" -- so I'd love to get more John Bowles' books. 

Any tips for surviving the festive period?

Keep it simple.  It doesn't take a whole lot of presents to get kids excited. In fact, I think they "see" the presents more, if there are fewer of them.  Also, I buy gifts throughout the year so there isn't a last minute panic.

Also, keep the wine flowing.  Everything goes smoother until a sister-in-law throws a plate at the wall.  Which was bound to happen anyway.

Posted 21/11/2007 10:19:37 by Brett Paesel with 0 comments.