Holiday Fun Stories

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a drama-free visit with relatives. My National Lampoons Christmas vacation just begun. I strategically flew in to see the family on Xmas Eve, avoiding the mad rush to find specifically requested Barbies, Nikes or the latest version of Guitar Hero. Gay uncle Ramon flies in just in time to take a long yule tide nap and wake bright and early to hand out his gift cards. Then, I hit the eggnog as all the wrapper-ruckus commences.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not a Christmas scrooge. It's actually one of my favorite holidays. I do love the tacky decorations, the dated carols and the smiles on the kids' faces. Fortunately, there hasn't been much drama in the house the last few years. There have been some interesting stories, though: One year my five-year-old niece ended up with three talking playtime grills. It seems she worked every adult she could find for the same toy. Her diligence is commendable. Then there was my grandmother who refused every gift given, only to chastise the non-givers later. Oh, and how can I forget the now 30-year feud between great aunts Carrie and Claire? They love to hate each other, taking turns kicking each other out of their respective houses every Christmas. As crazy as they are, I can't help but love them.

Reader Holiday (Fun) Stories:

Here is another reader's most memorable holiday story:

"A friend and I decided we'd spend the Holiday in Mazatlan, Mexico. We flew down from Phoenix, AZ and landed on Christmas Eve. We checked into the hotel (on the outskirts of town on the beach) and thought 'well, we'll go downtown to see Christmas Eve and how it's celebrated here.' We went to some merchant's stalls, had a nice dinner, and saw part of a Mass at the local church. Then we couldn't get a cab, so we thought we'd take the bus which ran out to the hotel. As I was getting on I felt a slight bump against my pocket and realized my wallet was gone! I saw a child who couldn't have been any older than 6 or 7 dashing away, and I started to leave the bus. A huge man (tall as well as wide) stepped into my path so there was NO WAY I could get by; obviously he was helping the little thief! So I thought, with my luck I'M the one who would be locked up, so I couldn't do anything then or on Christmas, but the day after was spent in the local bank canceling credit cards, etc. That was one Christmas Eve I'll NEVER forget. Like I say looking back on it now I can laugh, but I sure wasn't then! LOL"

This guy's son was a little more than surprised by his gift:

"The one that broke up my husband and I up this year was an email from our son, Randy. As one of their presents we had sent Randy and his lover, Mike, each a gift from a catalog with the name of Figi's. This catalog has special food and cheese gifts from Wisconsin. To Mike we had sent a box of Wisconsin cheese, which he loves. I guess Randy, in a glance, read the return address wrong. Randy sent an email saying, 'Mike received a box from Fifi's from Mark today?' Well, Mark said, 'Mike will think I've gone overboard and sent him some frilly underwear or nitewear from some store named 'Fifi's.'' I sent a message telling Randy it was from Figi's, not Fifi's, and was from both of us. This sent us all into fits of laughter and we are still throwing around the 'gifts from Fifi's' jokes."

Holiday Wrap-up:

Share your holiday nightmare or fun story!

My best to you and your loved ones this holiday season! May your days be filled with love, hugs and multiple Mistletoe kisses!

_{Image © Louie Bookout.}