Aces Full of Links

Holiday Kick-Off

I wasn’t much in the Christmas spirit this season. Truth be told, I’m still not really grasping that there’s just a week left before the holiday.

However, last night was the first real feeling of Christmas I’ve had this year. Our tradition of the yearly caroling party with family and friends on the Saturday before Christmas had us out in the brisk air belting out tunes while the neighbors ran for cover.

Arguably, last night was the most successful caroling party in our history of hosting them. As the roaring fire blazed, people started filtering in and greeting each other. There are people we only see once/year, at this party and we have come together nearly every year to sing about peace on earth and goodwill toward your fellow man, sharing this seasonal kick-start with each other.

In addition to the people who have been attending for over 10 years, a lot of other friends, old and new made their presence felt as we had the largest group of carolers yet. As a reward, our numbers too big to ignore, we had people actually coming out of their houses before we got to their houses to hear our attempts at seasonal standards inluding “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Joy To The World” and others. The kids insisted on their twisted version of “Rudolph” and I actually lost my voice after we ran smack dab into another house party down the street.

We were greeted by Santa Claus (of all people!) who heard all the kids Christmas wishes while we regaled him with “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” and other off-key selections.

Stumbling back to the ranch, the glogg was a bigger hit than I can remember in recent history.

After most of the party broke up, Maggie and I spent some time with Mike, Bob, Patti, Ryan, Sara, Sharon, Derek and Neve in front of the fire. Way past all our bed times we discussed various issues of news and entertainment, professors of CompSci old and new and “things that sneak up on you.”

This party embodies what I feel is most important about this holiday: the connections we make. It warms my heart to see how this party has become a real tradition, evoking in me memories of the huge Christmas parties my family had when I was a tyke.

Now I’m almost ready for Christmas. Thanks to everyone who helped make the party a success. Our work preparing (mostly Maggie’s work) only sets the stage. It’s the people who really turn it into an event to remember.