Holiday Passages

In the middle of the frivolity yesterday, I recalled many of the previous Christmas/holiday work parties I'd attended. Regs will note that I've documented a few here. Some were extravagant, others, bargain basement. Some were after hours, others during the time we'd normally be working. Most involved a gift exchange, a "white elephant" kind or some sort. I remember once wrapping a gift (mere minutes before it would be torn open) in the parking lot of a bank across from my workplace. Ever the procrastinator.

I remembered the faces, if not all the names. I've had lots of co-workers, most of whom are now just fuzzy memories. Yesterday, I joined my associates and superiors at an upscale restaurant downtown for an afternoon celebration. It had all the ingredients: embarrassing attempts at dancing (me), racy gag gifts, just-fair cuisine, unusually candid conversations, and at least one person who went far afield from their normal behavior. Alcohol can be blamed for some of the above. I say this with no denouncement, no Baptist judgment (though please refrain from calling me a Baptist).

The event was very enjoyable, the hosts very gracious and generous. Elegant appreciations were voiced for our daily efforts. I have been truly blessed in my new workplace. The parties of years gone by had provided a few hours of amusement and then evaporated. I look back on most with a smile, a few with a groan. After the last silly cackle and dancefloor misstep of 12/11/09 have been forgotten, the warm feelings will remain.

Thanks, everyone.