Nine Christmases in Three days

1 - Law office Christmas

The three-day Christmas binge starts with wings and pasta at Alexis's law office on 45th in Highland. Attorneys Dave Gladish, Doug Walker, Mike Bosch and Alexis and a bunch of us make fun of Wayne Micka, the cabinetmaker - because we can. I didn't take any pictures. But here's a couple of Micka anyhows.

2 - Feliz Navidad

When I first came around 27 years ago, we'd all meet at Noemi and Gonzalo's house around 9pm and then at midnight you'd hug everyone in the room. It's a Mexican tradition. Now, since everyone's so much older and there are grandchildren, we meet at 4pm and everyone's home by nine.

3- Steve's family Christmas

It's now a tradition that Alexis's son Steve brings the three girls - Kaylee, Kara and little sister Abby - over for breakfast and presents on Christmas morning. Steve and Michelle have been together for a while now. Alexis makes eggs and bacon. Daughter Jeanie makes some fabulous blueberry pancakes.

4 - us Christmas

As a middle-aged dad, I crave time with my wife and two daughters. After Steve and his family leave, we sit in the living room and open presents. It's the only time all week that the four of us spend time together alone. This makes me sad to think about.

5. - my sister's house

Alexis and I do Thanksgiving. My sister Jennifer hosts Christmas: turkey, ham, sweet potato pie, green been casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, baked brie, artichoke dip, Michelle's famous salad and Jenny's famous cheesecake. We open grab bag gifts. Then we settle into a heated game of Scattergories. Nephew Al and daughter Jackie beat everyone. 

6 - Martha Christmas

Alexis has a sister, Martha, who's 10 months older. We order pizza and pop to a room at the Munster Med-Inn, a long-term care facility in Munster. Sister-in-law Carol buys Martha a neck pillow. Martha wears it until she gets hot.

7- Dad Christmas

Dad had heart surgery a few days ago. He isn't supposed to leave home, so we bring the confusion to him. His wife, Kalli, has complained about dad wearing beat-up tennis shoes for a whole year. So Alexis and I buy dad new shoes.

8 - Jeff and Laura Christmas

9 - Goodbye Christmas

Brother Jeff, Me, childhoodlum friend Butch, and brother Brian at Round the Clock Restaurant in Highland, Indiana.