Annual Christmas Party at Dunlodge - December 10, 2011

Food, camaraderie, and fun marked PATC – Charlottesville Chapter’s annual Christmas party. Like last year, Dunlodge provided the setting for about 40 attendees. Among those who helped decorate were Thomas & Mary Jorgensen and Don Davis, co-overseers of Dunlodge; Dan Ralston; Iva Gillet; Chris Kallenberg; Carol Tolbert; Keith Denson; and Todd Athey.

Two Christmas trees, holiday music, and a warm, cozy fire lent just the right atmosphere to the festivities. People sated their hunger by sampling some of the many potluck dishes available. Don White’s spicy dill shrimp was a big hit, as were Iva’s avocado dip and Dan’s perfectly seasoned venison. Todd’s oatmeal-raisin cookies and John Shannon’s famous pavlova were among the many yummy desserts on hand.

One of the nice things about having the party at Dunlodge is that it has allowed hiking folks to meet cabin folks, and vice versa. People were having such a fun time visiting that Thomas, looking quite festive in his holiday tie, had quite the task of gathering everyone together in the sunroom.

Charlottesville Chapter President Lindsay Brown presented a certificate of appreciation to Don Davis for the many hours he has logged working at Dunlodge. Lindsay has ably served as president for the past 2 years, and no amount of cajoling or flattery could entice him into serving a second term. So Ken Moss, who has done a fabulous job establishing a chapter web site and blog, becomes president on January 1.

These announcements led into the white-elephant gift exchange, which for many folks has been the highlight of our annual party. With the order of opening gifts determined by playing cards, Mary was the first to go. She unwrapped a lovely ceramic covered bowl, complete with an apple-cinnamon scented coaster.

Following Mary, people could either open a gift or swipe one that had already been opened. If someone took your gift, you could either open a new one or pilfer another person’s gift, setting off a round of swaps.

Watching the drama unfold as people jockeyed for the “good” gifts is always entertaining. One or two items usually prove the most popular, but this year, because so many people contributed new items rather than usable-but-used things, at least five items were highly sought. Four of those were alcohol: amaretto, corn whiskey, wine from Well Hung Vineyards (the label is quite the conversation piece), and a dessert wine. A box containing used items that was traded several times held a coffee-bean grinder, a vacuum container for coffee, a decorative hairclip, a fanny pack, and an earflap hat.

The gift that drew the most laughter was the one that President-Elect Ken opened: a copy of the book Rogue President: The Presidency of Sarah Palin. At the end of the boisterous gift exchange, Mary got to trade her gift, at which point the game ended.

A little history: The white elephant Christmas party dates back at least a dozen years. People who have been attending for many years await with trepidation and anticipation the opening of the one gift that is allowed—or rather, required—to be brought back the next year. “The Gift” is a portable urinal, which first made its appearance in 1998. Terry Nackley got it that year; she inscribed her name and brought it back the next year filled with candy. It has returned every year since then, duly inscribed with the name of each caretaker. This year, Anna Bielecki opened the infamous item.

To allay your fears, the author can attest that “The Gift” has never been used for its intended purpose. Some people still harbor doubts, though, and their fears were stoked when Brian Muszynski sent “The Gift” to the 2006 party filled with a suspicious-looking yellow liquid and accompanied by an artfully shaped brownie. To sweeten the deal, Brian had included a $20 bill. The cash may have been what motivated John Brandt to trade for it. The 2006 party marked the first time ever that someone had actually traded for this iconic item—until now.

During this year’s gift exchange, I had already stolen—and lost—the amaretto and the bottle of Well Hung wine. So during a round when most of the good items were off limits because they had already been traded, I took “The Gift” from a much-relieved Anna. Because so many of the club’s members have left over the years, and new members are unfamiliar with the significance and history of “The Gift,” I want to compile a history so the background of this special item is preserved.

Make no mistake, though: “The Gift” will be the featured item at next year’s holiday party. I hope that you will be there.