WHADJA GET? 2008 EDITION

Another Christmas Day has come and gone. The remnants of brightly colored wrapping paper dot the floor after missing their intended trash bag target. The good byes to relatives have been said. And the soft, quiet glow of the Christmas tree, now void of the packages that once fortified its base, silently remembers every squeal of delight and gasp of joyous amazement that was expressed .

As adults, we get very sophisticated in our attitude toward gifts. I no longer get up at 5:00 a.m. to beg my parents to open presents. Christmas Day means I can sleep in a little longer! And we maybe more clearly appreciate the fact that it's the thought that counts, that the only real gift is Jesus, and that the spirit of Christmas extends beyond December 25. I can honestly say that if I didn't get any presents on Christmas morning, it would not change my feelings one iota!

So with my priorities and attitudes firmly in place, I have to say that the kid in me loves to tear the wrapping off a package and see what's there! I like presents...I like presents at Christmas time...I like getting excited about my gifts and I like seeing my family and friends get excited about their gifts. It's fun (and sometimes emotional and moving).

So every year, we take a moment to pretend we're kids again and ask "Whadja get?" And since you asked, here's my list (not everything is on there):

• Two Biblical commentaries
• Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren
• The Darwin Awards by Wendy Northcutt
• A dictionary of Hawaiin slang (from my sister-in-law, who lives in Hawaii)
• Incredible Hulk dvd
• Iron Man dvd
• Indiana Jones IV dvd
• West Wing dvd's
• Playstation game: Star Trek: Conquest
• Camera (I've had two cameras stolen in the past, so this one better have barbed wire on it!)
• a comic book collection on dvd-rom (the coolest thing if you don't neccesarily need perfectly preserved plastic wrapped collector editions).
• SD cards
• 80's song compilation
• Assorted goodies from my kids at the daycare
• Macadamia Nut brittle (from the aforementioned sister-in-law)

Soooooo....now I turn to you and ask: what did you get?