That’s the gift I took to my small group party this year.  It was regifted from a Dirty Santa game last year.  I though it was great.  And the fish lure was Cleveland Browns. Of all things.  I think I actually got to open the most gifts under the tree, because people kept stealing from me.  First, I ended up with a lottery ticket, then, I ended up with a blanket, and by the end of the game, I ended up with this…compliments of Kristen.

I was thrilled with this….even without the wine!  It sure beat the door draft blockers!  Oh, and my favorite part of the party was becoming the spoons champ!  I took Wendy down, ya’ll!  If you’ve never played spoons, find out how to play, it’s SO much fun!

The next week, I went to a party with the mix group, which is just 20-30’s singles.  I didn’t know many there, but there were a lot of laughs.  There was gingerbread house making…with graham crackers.  Some houses looked great, and others were a good attempt.  We played Dirty Santa there, as well, and I took a can of Spam and a can of Spaghetti.  I had a can of spam in the house (luckily, for a good gag gift).  Karma came around, and it gave me THIS…

A package of Gongju, which, according to ther part that’s written in English on the back of the package, it’s CHRYSANTHEMUMS!!!  I didn’t know people drank dried up flowers for tea!  The back of the package says to put 6-8 of the flowers in hot water, but I just can’t muster up the courage to try it.

I think the Christmas parties are my favorite part of the season.  It just gives everyone a chance to unwind from the stresses of the season, and enjoy what’s truly important to you!  I know, for me, it’s my family. In 2007, I couldn’t spend the holiday with my family, and then realized how much being alone on the holiday sucks (for lack of a better word). Then, last year, I realized I need MY family.  I went to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving, and it just made me terribly homesick.  I’m headed up to Michigan tomorrow, to spend the holiday with family, and can’t wait!  One of the perks of being jobless is having such a flexible schedule LOL, but I’m ready to have a little less flexibility!