Dirty, Dirty Santa

Prior to my tossing the brownies, we played a wild game of Dirty Santa. Typically, Dirty Santa starts off the same way. Four or five grown, educated adults will count all the Dirty Santa participants and then set those numbers into a slightly complicated algorithm which will determine exactly how many people are playing Dirty Santa that year--give or take one or three. Then each adult who is playing Dirty Santa will draw a number. This will determine the order in which we select our presents. Finally, before we actually begin the game, we'll clarify the rules about stealing presents. Basically, anything goes from year to year, but it's always good for an argument or two to clarify the rules.


Many year ago, this little game started off sweetly and innocently enough. Someone would bring a mug set with hot chocolate, and someone would bring a gift card.

Then one year, someone brought a bottle of wine and a corkscrew in the shape of an owl.

Then one year, everyone brought liquor of some kind of another.

Each year, the Dirty Santa got a little bit dirtier ... and a little bit naughtier.

Last year, I took a picture of my Aunt Kay decked out in her $3 urban outfit at our summer family get together.

Isnt' she pretty?
Doesn't even look like she lived through the Great Depression, does she?
That's because SHE DIDN'T!

This year, I took photo coasters of my Wise Ol' Uncle From The South. The photos were great--and all looked a lot of like this.

He's only toothless for very special occasions.

I also took pink flamingos because nothing, and I mean nothing, spreads Christmas cheer like pink flamingos.

Good news: The family is catching on. Santa is getting dirtier and dirtier with each passing year. Look what The Dad got:

Oh ... game on, Dear Family. The game? It's on.

Until next year--Merry, merry Christmas!
Love,
Momma and them