Christmas at Disney

We just got home from a few days at Disney. Our visit was over the Christmas holiday. There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than by participating in gross commercialism and consumerism at the "happiest place on Earth."

We did have a great time. Nothing can replace the looks of wonder and happiness on the faces of your kids while going about the various parks. It was crowded, and I really believe some of the dumbest people on the face of the planet were there at the same time we were. Either they are not intelligent or they just do not think. When you are walking along a path, you probably do not want to suddenly stop. There might be someone behind you! When the crowds are large, the chances of this are increased.

That is everywhere except at Disney. While there, it is apparently required that people move about in large groups, pushing strollers or riding in scooters (you know like the Round a Bout). They travel 5 abreast, blocking every route around them. They move slowly. Then they suddenly stop. You cannot move around them, and you are likely to bump into them. Then they look at you like you just committed some grievous offense. Plus many of those visiting are from foreign countries. I appreciate their desire to visit Disney. Kids are kids and the joy on a face is not limited simply to kids simply from the United States. Apparently in the countries these folks are from, line jumping and breaking are acceptable. That presents some fun moments for those of us that believe in decorum and order.

In addition, fashion at Disney is interesting. I was especially amazed at some footwear choices. Let's see, you are a "big boned" woman, and you choose to wear flimsy flip flops. And then you wonder why your feet hurt. I saw some that wore high heels. Why on Earth would you wear high heels to a theme park? Fashion is only so important.

After Disney I had the opportunity to visit with some guys I don't see very often. During college I worked at a boys camp and every year there is a gathering of former staffers. It is great to see these guys, tell war stories, catch up on their lives and accumulate enough guy hugs to last for a while. Friends are important, and these guys are really and truly friends.

Here we are on New Year's eve. it just feels like a typical day. There is more football on than usual, and that is a good thing for me, although the family does not feel that way. So, we sit here watching the seconds tick away on 2008. Apparently some did not like this past year and are hoping for a better 2009. I can only hope 2009 is as good as 2008. Happy New Year!