Precious Insanity

Our Christmas this year passed much like many others before it, only faster and with a certain finality.

We had no idea at the time but this would be the last gathering of these people in this life.
We had no idea at the time but this would be the last gathering of these people in this life.

Christmas came quickly after my fall semester ended. Thanks to school, our present turnover rate was much higher than normal. Our tree went from barren to presented to barren again quite speedily. There was nothing underneath it until just a couple days before Christmas. For a planner like me, that was practically unacceptable. However, I switched from writing 25-page papers to crafting gifts without taking a needed pause and, miraculously, completed everything in time.

Making a wrapping-paper mess is a Sabin tradition.
Making a wrapping-paper mess is a Sabin tradition.

We spent Christmas Eve with Jason’s family. We had a nice meal and then opened presents unhurriedly, enjoying the inside jokes and perpetual teasing. As is Sabin custom, we piled up the wrapping scraps and threw cats and each other into the disarray, creating even more chaos. Little did we know that this would be the last time we’d all be together on this earth.

I did not make these red velvet cakebites but I bought them expertly.
I did not make these red velvet cakebites but I bought them expertly.
Jason masked the kids' present under many layers of boxes and giftwrap, which resulted in an intense group effort fueled by impatience and curiosity.
Jason masked the kids’ present under many layers of boxes and giftwrap, which resulted in an intense group effort fueled by impatience and curiosity.

Due to one final wrapping marathon that didn’t conclude until 3:30 AM Christmas morning, Jason and I slept in a bit on the holiday and headed to my family’s in the afternoon. We had a lovely lunch with them and then set about unwrapping duty. The kids were almost eerily calm during most of the gift giving. Too much sugar? Too many tablet games? Present overload? Whatever the reason, it was pleasant but unnatural.

Santa left nerdy sweaters in our stockings on Christmas morning. They were already washed and ready to wear. That was so thoughtful of Santa.
Santa left nerdy sweaters in our stockings on Christmas morning. They were already washed and ready to wear. That was so thoughtful of Santa.

At the time, Christmas felt like it always does, hectic and tiring. Now, after the unwavering irrevocability of the events of the last month, the filter by which I view that holiday has changed substantially. Recollections of it come to me in potent succession, the fleeting minutes of a transient and unpredictable life. They are moments that cannot be regained with people that can now only be visited in memory. Jason and I have always lived fully but these days, more than ever, even the craziest of holidays seems exceptional and precious to us.

Our Yuletide Jamboree

Christmas is accompanied by a certain level of decorum and pomp for most but, for us, it comes with tackiness and hair.

Our Christmas party is a December tradition that went from formal and fancy to ridiculous and irreverent many years ago. Never heard of it? We keep the invitee list slim so we can actually talk to our guests, a refreshing change after our Halloween largeness. There have been almost no new additions to that list for over a decade so our attendees are pretty much the people that have known us since our rollerblades and overalls days.

Jeremy typically goes a few disgusting steps beyond an ugly sweater and completely exemplifies holiday hideousness.
Jeremy typically goes a few disgusting steps beyond an ugly sweater and completely exemplifies holiday hideousness.

This event has some holiday standards mixed with a few seasonal abnormals. Gaggy gifts, tinselly sweaters, tasteless fake fur, tasteful food, massive moustaches, ping-pong showdowns, awkward dance competitions, absurd photos, and close encounters of the Rowley kind are all part of the routine.

Yes, tacky comes standard with the Sabins.
Yes, tacky comes standard with the Sabins.

This year we ordered food from Corner Bakery Café. The spinach salad, pesto cavatappi, hummus and veggies, bruschetta with parmesan toast, and sweets basket probably made for our favorite catering in years.

Just Dance has become a tradition at our party.
Just Dance has become a tradition at our party.

I took pictures of any of the assembled crew that wanted them for over an hour and a half at the affair. Sadly, this took more time away from busting my sweet Just Dance 2017 moves than expected but some of the resulting images are priceless… revolting, but priceless.

Boys 4 Toys is sure to become the next boy-band sensation.
Boys 4 Toys is sure to become the next boy-band sensation.

The white elephant gifts were much the same as they always have been… good, bad, even worse. Man-scented candles, fry pillows, and pooping-dog calendars were just a few of the finer things that could have been mine. (Incidentally, I just got good hot chocolate and I was just fine with that.)

What an adorable couple!
What an adorable couple!

Thanks loyal Christmas partiers! It’s cool to celebrate the holidays every year with a lowkey gathering where the same small group of buddies wear what they shouldn’t and shake what they definitely shouldn’t- from hind ends to hidden gifts.

Our Lumber Gala

I love to dance even when I’m trapped in a hoopskirt so immense that I could be mistaken for a ruffly blimp. That’s one of the many reasons why Jason and I have happily become repeat performers at the Festival of Trees with our old-school pals.

There were probably about 90 yards of fabric stretched across all these dresses.
There were probably about 90 yards of fabric stretched across all these dresses.

The Festival of Trees is a charity event that supports Primary Children’s Hospital. The Old Glory Vintage Dancers have twirled there annually for years. Jason and I have been involved in these performances for the last three years.

Although I’d have fun swaying with a toaster, people do add to the innate pleasures of prancing. We’ve made some great dancing buddies and laughing with them during rehearsals is as enjoyable as the turns of a reel.

Although I make most of my historic attire, I borrowed this elaborate gown from our dance leader.
Although I make most of my historic attire, I borrowed this elaborate gown from our dance leader.

I’m grateful for all the fine music, lively steps, excellent friends, and enormous dresses in my life.