Isn’t it ironic that we spent two months preparing for Christmas, and then it is over so fast you wonder where it went? That is why everybody who has this entire week off from work–like me, of course! ☺–have the pleasure of enjoying an entire week of festivities, which I think we all need halfway through the school year.

Friday at school was another day filled with visits from former students. I spent half the morning with Lauren, which is always fun, and something we don’t do often enough. Later I saw Lin Lin, Masha, Jess, Megan, Gabi, Jessica A and Lauren J. Of course I barely had time to chat with any of them for more than 5 minutes since I was one of the few teachers who actually taught Friday. In fact, I even harassed two girls for interrupting my 8th period class before Masha embarrassed me by giving me a mug from Oxford where she attends college.

I am really grateful to all the students who were generous enough to give me a Christmas gift. I know I do not deserve them; after all, I am only doing my job all year long. But I really appreciate their thoughtfulness. I am already enjoying the Pink Floyd cd and particularly looking forward to enjoying the Tangram game and really cute calendar. You guys are too good!

Christmas Eve was dominated by its traditional feast (although I publicly confess that my family gradually abandoned the all-seafood meal as the non-Italian wives slowly took over the family ☺) and gift-exchange. I received a flash drive as my grab-bag gift from my nephew, which is always useful since I am a fanatical file-backer-upper.

Christmas Day we stayed home and relaxed, exchanging gifts with the boys, of course. I got two books that I am excited to read–life is reading, you know–and I gave Jean two books as well. The boys gave us gift cards to several really good eating establishments. Friday nights this winter should be very enjoyable indeed.

Happy holidays everybody! Send me some IM and emails to distract me from all the schoolwork and other chores I have to do this week.