"A Type of Bird That Sounds Like 'Square' "

Christmas Day = Awesome.

We went for service at a church downtown, and then headed home for lunch. As I speak, no gifts have been opened yet; we are all procrastinating. Some of my extended family were coming in from Detroit, and Lord, I last saw them almost ten years ago.

So we had lunch, and the family gathering started. My uncle's friend brought his spacious SUV from Markham, because none of us knew the way there. The Detroit folks arrived, and everyone headed to Markham (just outside of Toronto) for the big family Christmas dinner. I thought it would be awkward meeting my American cousins whom I haven’t seen since Christmas 1996 or so; but it turned out okay.

We all warmly welcomed each other, watched the Miami Heat vs Lakers game, which of course, my Heat won ;) Then we had dinner, which I won’t go into, because the turkey was all over the place really. I have no idea how many turkeys got into the oven that afternoon, because it was just ridiculously plenty, even for an extended family event. Anyways, yeah, I ate a lot. (surprise!)

After dinner, we played a game of Catch Phrase, which was so hilarious, as it exposed people’s stupidity, overreaction, and senses of humor as well. The highlight of the evening, which kept me laughing loud for over half an hour: My cousin Elo had the word “Squirrel” and was to describe it to her team.

She said, “A type of bird that sounds like square,” and after nobody could guess it, she told the answer. There was utter shock and disbelief, and then the laughs burst out. So much for wearing her McGill hoodie with pride eh. That’s just a statement that will remain in the family for the longest time, I would imagine. Squirrel, a bird? Unbelievable.