Wonderful Christmas Time.doc

I had heard the song "Wonderful Christmas Time" from Paul McCartney before, but it never really seemed to me like a classic Christmas tune. Here in the UK, it is, without a doubt, a holiday staple. It plays in bars, pubs, commercials, and on the radio non-stop. By December 22 I had fallen in love with it, and by December 26 my ears would bleed if I heard it one more time.

Still, not even over-played songs could damper the mood of a fantastic Christmas in Leamington Spa. Our group of internationals made the best of being away from family and friends (some of us for the second year in a row) at such a sentimental time of year. On Christmas Eve, Ridzal hosted the gang at his place for a cozy evening of good food, good drinks, and even better company (this is pretty much the theme of our holiday). I worked the whole day at River Island and after we closed at four, the complete staff of twenty-eight worked our butts off prepping the store for the Boxing Day sale. The whole building was overhauled in anticipation. Luckily, it only took three hours and we were out by seven. After running home for a quick shower I headed down to Ridzal's in anticipation of a leisurely Christmas Eve. He had made a roast chicken with a bunch of great vegetables and saved me a quarter since he knew I was coming from work.

The rest of the gang arrived after attending carols and a service at church and we dined on delicious appetizers - dips as far as the eye could see, warm samosas and deep fried delights, and chocolate and cookies. Like every Christmas, there was no shortage of eating. One of the highlights of the food was the warm mulled wine that Zhenya and Zoey made. It was a warm and sweet brew that went straight to your head. Since we were charting new MAIPR territory (holidays together!) we decided to try some new events instead of sticking to our usual routines. So we played two intense rounds of international/intercultural charades. It was an absolute larf. Not only did the suggestions have to be as neutral as possible, but the inter-group communication made the game extra fun. My favourite of the night had to be Joao's rendition of Lolita in 40 seconds which I was able to guess. Charade magic. As the evening progressed we listened to some Christmas tunes, continued eating, and enjoyed each other's company.

I think I had the latest Christmas Day sleep-in I've ever had. Unlike the mornings of yesteryear when my brother and I would arise at 6am, I slept in until 11am. It was a beautiful morning and the sun streamed through the windows. I made a wonderful breakfast while Tory slept and Zoey headed to Zhenya and Joce's to make a dish for the Christmas dinner. After breakfast I prepped a broccoli dish for later and got together my secret santa present. At 3pm we all headed to Courtney and Jamal's for Christmas Day festivities. Ridzal had cooked a delicious lamb roast which was enjoyed with a plethora of wonderful Christmas dishes. Honestly, the food was fantastic and filled the length of the buffet table. We partook in traditional British Christmas crackers (complete with paper hats) and finished the meal with Christmas pudding drizzled in brandy cream. After dinner we shared a few drinks and the games continued. Zhenya introduced a great group game called Mafia where the participants are killed off by secret assailants (I was part of the mafia twice and was never caught). I also suggested the Celebrity Heads game which went over well. There were a few rounds of Twister late late late into the night, and the finale was some fireworks set off in the park opposite the house that Jamal got for Christmas. My secret santa was Tory who I got some pretty socks, a 2010 day planner, and some chocolates. Zoey had me and I received a shirt from Top Man (she knows me to o well). It was a fantastic day. While I missed family back home, hanging with the MAIPR crew made for a fantastic alternative. I will remember it always.

Boxing Day was really busy at River Island (as you'd expect). We had some of the best deals on the Leamington Parade so the people just kept coming. Luckily, I wasn't on cash desk and could bop around the store all day. The busyness also made the time fly by. It wasn't as bad a day as I expected. I'm now back to work and getting ready to vacate Leamington, as well as completing the dissertation.

I fly home in approximately three weeks. I'm thrilled and terrified at the same time. SO much to do before then, and one more Tunisian adventure to be had.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: Paul McCartney, paper hats, and pudding drowning in brandy cream - a British Christmas to remember.