Midnight mass, Christmas 2011. All the weeks of animating couldn't have really prepared me for what was to come. Animating every week during the normal Sunday-s are structured affairs. I read a short introduction, I welcome the congregation, I read out the respective page numbers for the entire duration of mass. Midnight mass on the other hand was slightly different. An impromptu introduction that deviated slightly from the missal was just the start. So far, so good. Then came the general reminders. The first sign of dropping my formal tone came when I was explaining to the congregation about the how the mass entrance was to be like. Some laughter from the congregation when they heard me explain, I thought that was quite ok. Mass began and went on as usual. Preparation of the gifts provided that one line of infamy; "Cancel that". It came out so quickly, it was like a reflex reaction. But it was really the first time that I felt like myself while animating. No cloak of formality or regard for what image/sound I was portraying. And after that, (and probably with the effects of the impending Christmas high) mass became so easy. My announcements were happier and higher and I really started to have fun. Mistakes here and there, but it's something I will learn from. I was so worried about the prospect of animating for such a big mass, but looking back, it was really an experience to behold!

And the bonus, I made Father Pat laugh on stage with my "cancel". Surprised me more than anything.

After party was at Ryan's place. Big and spacious house that could comfortably fit everyone. Food, company and random banter. However, I've always liked to use a bit of Christmas night to just think and be alone for a while. It's always good to have that space where one can just reflect and contemplate. Ryan's front porch provided a nice quiet spot while everyone was inside eating and talking. Thoughts about school, how the previous semester was, how I want the next to be and how to really start doing well in my SS mods.

Since I was sitting on the porch of a big house that was surrounded by big houses, my thoughts soon drifted to what kinda job I want and what I wanna make outta it, earning the millions needed to get a big house like that. Natural progression saw me extend my gaze to the Meyer Road condominiums that dot the background. And being the property savvy person that I am, I started to weigh whether I would prefer a big condominium unit with a nice seaview or a peaceful and big landed house. After a few minutes, I couldn't make up my mind and I left that thought for another time.

A Maserati zooms past and I look at the Porsche Panamera, Mini Cooper and Lexus RX parked in the driveway. Again, I wonder about my future drive. Audi-s are nice, Merc-s are timeless but the rugged appeal of the BMW would always win me over.

The thoughts went around in cycles, a visit or 2 for each (and other thoughts) before my pensive faded into the Christmas night.

Walking around, talking to random people, random cliques. Getting their jokes or watching it aimlessly fly past. Feeling amused, bored and sleepy at the same time. As dawn approached, conversations became more subdued with the increasing fatigue and eyelids started to droop all around. A long wait for a short taxi ride back and sleep to fuel me for December 25.

Open house was the usual. Talking to people who dropped by or passing time by munching on the kuehs. A successful gambling session and my holiday gambling cost is no longer in the red. Family, friends and the season of giving, loving, sharing.

It's really the most wonderful time of the year.