The rules of the exchange are something like this: everyone brings a hideously tacky bauble, wrapped up. When your random lottery number is called you can choose to open a package or steal from someone else. Two steals and the ornament is "locked". As with most American sports, it comes down more to intimidation and moments of violence rather than strategy and finesse.
The evening started with the ever-popular horrible jumper contest. Lauren won, sporting a lively green number that she claimed belonged to her mother-in-law. Then the exchange got underway.
As ever, things that lit up got a lot of attention (Michael Jackson tribute jukebox anyone?) Hannah and I, who prefer to open rather than steal (because we're so nice) were a bit hard done by to have two chihuahuas and a giant cupcake taken from us, but we were well compensated with a special prize from Christine of a sparkly fish for "most stolen from". Now I just need to find the right tree to hang it on.
Getting into the spirit.
Catering.
The seasonal jumper finalists. Some good ones!
But how could you top this? The Santa feet jiggle.
This first ornament is out, and it's a goody!
Hannah and our first chihuahua, before it was cruelly taken from us...
...by this smiling, bad woman!
Animals were a bit of a theme this year. Shauli seems happy.
Chihuahua number two! Somehow even better than #1.
My cupcake! To be fair, I did steal this off Kathy, but then Patrick stole it right back. Tactics.
Jack and his 'treasure'. Why would anyone make that to hang on a tree?!
Sunday morning, we bid goodbye to everyone at the Black Bear Diner. Unfortunately the bear had been set loose, and the amusement of he/she/it visiting our table every two minutes wore off very quickly.
The ornament exchange could just have easily been a baby exchange, with four out and another four arriving soon. Amanda's happy with what she came away with.
