Insurance came today, $480 >_>
I've still yet to buy everyones gifts. christmas is begining to seem more like a hassle as each year progresses. Just found out that its either annual leave or nothing for the 5 week school break. Im taking the nothing option because I would lose money if I decide to take my annual leave before my pay increase the following year (jan 31st is the day of pay rise). Anyway.

Does everyone do the family thing? See relatives you dont really want to see but have to due to the ocassion? those awkward dinners with people you've probably seen 15 times your entire life (of that you can remember). The cliche' of a christmas gathering and run of the mill conversations that follow as well as the awkwardness of both realizing the scenario you are in. Drinking to hopefully make the time go faster (favourite of mine). Listening to people bitch about one another and pre-empting the inevitable christmas argument discussion. Claiming your seat next to that one person you actually stand and hoping they dont get up and leave you alone (wait, i've still got my beer, its okay). Constantly making an effort to keep conversation going with that tolerable person as to avoid anyone else joining in.

Okay heres the worst part.

Opening gifts. Doesnt matter if you really like it, you're still on the spotlight for a reaction from everyone watching to see your first reaction. If you're anything like me, you dont break into a pearler everytime you open something you like. When asked if you like your gift you must make a convincing argument that you do (even if you do, you still need to convince them). Gag presents are the worst. Differentiating "Are they fu**ing serious?" from "Oh , I guess it would be rude to say I dont like it" is hard when you cant tell if its a gag gift or not. Unless its like that one time we gave my uncle Anthrax on Casset and when he opened it was filled with white powder. Sometimes its hard to tell, Then you get thinking and just say you love it anyway, and then they tell you it was a gag gift and you have to deal with the shame of embarassment.

The aftermath?

People are starting to leave and theyre all saying how you will catch up soon but you know you never will. Am I the only one that doesn't like kissing saying goodbye? I hate that shit. Im very particular about germs and what not. Sometimes I just say im sick to avoid having to kiss someone goodbye. I feel I need to clarify, I'ts mostly its a kiss on the cheek, othertimes the oldies try the ever so lightly peck on the lips *shudders*. Anyway, after everyones left and gone, you have a shower and get into your fresh PJ's (track pants and singlet for me) and sit on your bed. Feels like you've been apart of some kind of tedious psychological war. You take your last swig of beer and then put on your favorite movie to cleanse the day from your mind.

*sigh*