Holiday Traditions

Most recently, my family heads out to my uncle's house for Christmas Eve dinner. The festivities usually have turkey, casserole, and a wide variety of edibles. Since there are close to twenty to thirty people visiting, the food is made in large quantities.

Near the end of the evening, everybody gathers in the living room. Each person opens one present, usually coming from my aunt or uncle, and converses the night away.

Meanwhile, my stepdad silently heads outside in the middle of the conversations, and dons a Santa Claus outfit. He rings reindeer bells right in front of the door so the younger relatives can hear him, and my stepdad enters the door with a sack of gifts addressed to all of the children present at the dinner. Granted, my stepdad is far from burly, but the children are so excited to see him with all of the presents that they couldn't be more overwhelmed with joy. All of the older relatives play along, and everybody shortly heads out once "Santa" does.

Jam it back in, in the dark.