Miracle on Madison

The hubs and I hosted our third annual Christmas party this weekend, Miracle on Madison!*

Why is it called Miracle on Madison? It’s not only because of our street name, but also because– fun fact about me– I am in the 90’s version of the movie Miracle on 34th Street! Well, a picture of me is in it, but whatever, same difference, right?! Watch the clip below to see my moment of fame. (I’m at 0:43.)

I don’t know if you know this about me, but I love a good reason to get dressed up and celebrate and have a good time, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite aspects of our Christmas party.

Let’s get festive, people!

Festive Attire

Festive attire is a must at our party. Some people go all out, some people avoid participating, and some people have no idea they’re supposed to dress up.

The first year of Miracle on Madison I wanted Steve to dress up with me as Santa and Mrs. Claus. He vehemently refused.

Instead he wore a sweater with gingerbread men being “milk-boarded.” I still went the Mrs. Claus route (sorta).

This year, I had a sweater that said “Meowee Christmas” (shocker, I know) and jingle bell cat ears, and Steve wore a sweater that said “Merry Pitmas.” We were representing our fur babies.

Alas, I forgot to force him to take a photo with me.

My favorite outfit this year was, without a doubt, my sister in a reindeer onesie. (It was really not well-documented, though.)

We’re fabulous, I know.

Another classic was my friend Kara as an elf a few years ago. She went around that night posing in different places, like an Elf on the Shelf. It was wonderful.

I just had a great idea: Maybe next year we’ll do a festive attire CONTEST! Prizes to the best outfits!! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited!! Damn. I wish I’d thought of this last week…

White Elephant

If I do say so myself, our white elephant gift exchange is pretty epic. Although, this year it almost killed me. We had 33 people participate, and no one was listening to me as I called out numbers.

I’m unhappy because number 5 was not coming up to take his turn. (It was Steve.)

Exceptional gifts over the years have included the following:

Yum.

• a fertility impala statue
• a boob shampoo and conditioner dispenser
• a thigh master
• a banjo
• a leather elephant figurine
• Smirnoff Ice
• a lunchable
• Sperm shots (I feel like I should clarify that it’s NOT actual sperm.)
• a harmonica (My gift this year– I learned how to play “Jingle Bells”… sort of.)
• a Dora the Explorer lamp
• a giant knife and meat
• a gorilla suit
• a set of Hulk hands

And my personal favorite,

• a framed photo of my school picture!

This was the year this excellent gift was most appreciated. They even took me shopping the next morning!

Some people just appreciate the art of gift giving.

Snacks!

Need I say more? Who doesn’t love an assortment of dips, appetizers, and desserts? If you don’t, we can’t be friends, sorry.

This year, one of our friends brought a legit meat slicer, like at the deli, and cut up an assortment of meats– including antelope and bear (yes, for real)– and cheeses. It was a huge hit. (I did not eat bear, but I did try the antelope. It was pretty good. It kind of tasted like salami.)

Holiday Cheer 

Is there anything better than being surrounded by people you love, dressed in festive attire, listening to (or talking over) Christmas music, eating snacks, and having a grand ol’ time? I think not.

I love the holidays for many reasons, but the biggest is that I love spending time with my people (and making them wear goofy outfits). I’m very lucky to share the holiday season with some pretty amazing, weird, wonderful humans.

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What’s the best white elephant gift you’ve ever given or received? Let me know in the comments!

*Yes, obviously I changed the name of our street.