i dont know about joy happiness and all that. i'm still at home (17 yrs old). my dad has terrible temper. maybe a military thing. last year was alright cause he just got back from iraq and we werent used to being around each other and gradparents were here, so he couldnt show off too much. but the years when its just us, we're never thankful enough for gifts, the camera isnt focused just right, the pictures arent bright enough, we're too loud, we made too much of a mess with our new gifts, or put them away too soon. you dont know which way to go with him, and you certainly cant just stand still. no matter what it can be a negative reaction. always leaving us guessing.

but this year..it should be better. i'll spend the morning opening up presents by the tree, and then i go to work. just signed up to work on christmas day yesterday. 6 hours at work and when i get home, the day should be gone.

christmas was never my favorite holiday. 3 weeks home with the family 24/7. ick. thats the reason i stay in school, to get away from the family and hopefully stay intact with most of my sanity.

booooo winter, i'm all for halloween.

Kay