It's kind of crazy that we've already had this little party tradition running eight years in a row now! Which is technically nine, if you count the inaugural year I hosted a much smaller party at my own house. Liesel does a much better job putting everything together than I did, so I'm happy to have ceded responsibility to her. :)
The Dirty Santa theme this year was "guilty pleasures", which produced an interesting assortment of gifts. Some people actually got into the theme, whereas others copped out a bit and just brought "something nice and girly" as an offering into the pool. Twilight, Justin Bieber, and High School Musical were all obviously represented, as well as a healthy assortment of romantic comedies and candy. I personally contributed the Winter Essentials Birchbox, a couple of cheap movies bought on sale at Target, and a bag of white peppermint M&Ms [my absolute favorite!], and ultimately walked away with a selection of face masks from Sephora that I've already been enjoying trying out. There was also much covert discussion of Star Wars in an attempt to protect the uninitiated among us from spoilers, as well as a quite a few Star Wars themed gifts in the mix. Suffice it to say, Star Wars is having a moment.
We all stuffed our faces with Olive Garden and sparkling cider and various snacks, and laughed our abs off at our collective ridiculousness.
A new twist this year - SELFIE STICK MADNESS.
But really. Liesel, you might have a problem. ;)
My friends are the best.
That's all I have to say.