A new holiday tradition for me is to put together Xmas parties for all my friends and since last year's event went so well, I knew I needed to have another shindig for this year! I split it up over two days so everyone could attend (Friday and Saturday) Interestingly enough, most people didn't show up on Friday and we had the biggest group on Saturday. I used Evite to make the events happen, and that went really well. (Check it out at evite.com for your future event planning) Anyway, Friday night my friend Kurt, Aaron, and Steve came by for some food, treat bags, presents, and our 3-D movie. I enjoyed the event and so did they! And it was good practice for D-day. The next night!

Pictures from Friday night's celebration!

Saturday Night - D-Day!

Well, the next day I got up and started preparing the place. It was quite daunting to realize I was gonna have over 10 people in my little apartment, but I had to carry on and get it ready. I moved the table to the end of the kitchen so it would be where the serving would occur. That made room for more chairs, and I had bought a few more just to accommodate as many as I could, but still some people would be on the floor, just the way it is! I decorated, and cleaned, and cleaned and decorated. And listened to xmas music, and tried to keep it together. I went out to get some last-minute things and Chris got me and helped me get last-minute food so everything would be ready. Got home, and started the mad mariam dash of getting all the gifts for guests wrapped to go. Did I make it on time? Hell, no! LOL Not only that, most people were on time, darn it, why couldn't people be late?

Chris was baking away furiously as we had gotten not one, but two pies for the event (including a Cinnabon pie, yummy!) We also had pretzel sticks and dip, chips, sausages, pizza rolls, veggies and dip, all kinds of sweet snacks, and more! We were also ordering pizza but wanted to wait till everyone was there. First to come up were Alex and Tina, followed by Nick, Jeremy, Steve, Teresa, and Marissa. The music was playing, the food was cooking, and Mariam still wasn't dressed in her hostess wear or had the gifts were wrapped. Jeremy called Roger, so we could let him know of our fun and festivities. Chris and Nick continued to serve, as Mom wasn't even done with her gifts or ready. What a crew we were! We put on silly xmas movies and people mingled. 

Then, Chris and I had to make a run for more ice, soda, and juice, and we did that. Finally, I had some moments to change my clothes and I got in my dress. People liked it, I think I got cheered! Woohoo! My friend Roy also arrived, and was happy to join the festivities. I passed out the treat bags which everyone liked, then it was gift time! As you can see from the pictures below, everyone got something interesting and fun! Santa was good to everyone! From gambling books to bonsai potatoes to Hall and Oates goodies, there were fun gifts to be had! I then took my turn to open my gifts and enjoyed them so much. I got a Spongebob Squarepants toilet seat cover, the Entertainment book, watches, food items, jewelry, a scarf, and a homemade Madonna pillow! That was so nice of everyone to think of me like that! 

After, we got ready and handed out the 3-D glasses for our yearly traditional Santa vs. the Snowman in 3-D showing. It was dark, and there was lots of ooohing and aahing, I knew it had been a hit! After that, it was time for more sweets and goodies, and some folks had to head out. Those of us remaining had an sparkling apple cider toast, and the rest of us watched "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" with Johnny Depp. That was a good time! Even though I was sick, my friends came together and showed me the true meaning of xmas, good friends who are like great family! Thanks to you all!

Photos of the event!