This concludes our Christmas program.

I hope you enjoyed it.  Thanks for being such a fun and responsive audience!  You all made it all a pleasure!  Or even more pleasurable than it already was.  Happy holidays!!!

Love,
Grace (now collapsed on the sofa drinking mimosas)

Finally, it's Christmas morning!

The Surprises awake early in a state of excitement.

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Christmas Eve has arrived on the Surprise!


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Of course, keeping the presents hidden is no mean feat either.

"No it AIN'T a parrot like you been wanting. It's a new epaulette."

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Wrapping presents isn't easy on a man of war.

With wrapping paper so scarce, the Surprises have to find other alternatives.

Some use scraps of old sailcloth. 

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Jack has drawn Pullings' name, and he has just the perfect present.


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And now that the crisis has passed, Jack develops a daring plan to alleviate some of the regular holiday stress.

"Buying or making 196 presents puts undue strain on the men.  I propose something new and different this year.  Gentlemen, this year we shall draw names."

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It's apparent that someone has been naughty - but who?  At times, holiday stress brings out the worst in people.
( Christmas Surprise... )

Sailors are superstitious creatures, especially when it comes to a prize.

"The men think that someone has been naughty, and that Santa won't come because of it."
"And you believe it too?"
"Not everything is in your books, Stephen."

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But even with all this excitement to keep the men busy, tension is high and nerves wear thin.
( Christmas Surprise... )