Happy 2023 everyone. I can’t believe it’s been a month since my last post. It was a very busy December for me. All of December, I kept my normal routine. Monday through Thursday with Kelly. I worked at the campground every Wednesday and Thursday. My Tuesday’s were spent volunteering at New Hope ministries.

I did a bunch of other things this month. I rode in the Hershey fire truck because we drove Santa Claus around downtown Hershey. There was an employee Christmas party at the campground. I had to bring a white elephant gift. I brought a 5 lb. Hershey chocolate bar. You would not believe the gift I ended up recieving. It was a box that contained airplane size bottles of fireball and some schnapps. Also, a couple of scratch off lottery tickets. I won $4. I can get a DVD or two with that. I won’t drink the liquor. Kelly helped me make some Christmas cards to mail to my family members. Also, I rode the train that’s at the star barn.

I did some Christmas shopping for my immediate family. I bought my mom a really cool prayer bracelet. Dad got an awesome coffee mug. I gave my brother, Austin, a Penn State hat. I needed some help to buy a gift for Austin’s girlfriend, Moriah. I asked my brother for ideas. He suggested a Chipotle gift card. That’s easy!

By now, you are probably wondering what i got for Christmas. I am 23 and still make a list. This year my list contained 12 different Thomas DVDs and a new computer. I only received one thing on my list. A new computer. There was also a present from my Grandma Shari. She sent me a guitar. I really like the computer and guitar, but Christmas just isn’t the same as when I was younger. I used to get all the toys on my list. Now I get money and clothes. It’s more exciting for me to open DVDS. This adult thing is an adjustment.

We had 2 family Christmas’ this year. We went to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for a Christmas Eve Brunch. My Christmas gifts were money and clothing. In the evening we went to church for the Christmas eve service. I had to hold a candle. My whole life, I have blown out every candle I could get close too. Mom and dad explained to me I had to keep this candle lit until it was time to blow it out. I was excited and scared at the same time. I handled it. I didn’t blow it out until I was told to. On Christmas day, we went to my Nanny and Grandpa’s house for Christmas dinner. Finally, I got some DVDs and a blue’s clues notebook. Of course, I also received more money. I can’t wait to go shopping. 2nd and Charles here I come!!

December 30th I had an early morning dental appointment. I know, great way to end the year. Turns out I have 3 cavities and a filling that needs replaced. This isn’t a normal procedure for me. I have to go to the operating room and get anesthesia. Then the dentist will take care of everything.

New year’s eve we did our normal routine. Go to the grocery store. Buy everyone’s favorite foods to enjoy until midnight. The top 2 foods on my list are swedish fish and ring bologna. Definitely, can’t forget the chocolate chip cookies. I grabbed some chocolate milk as well. Before we started eating, we attended church service at 6 pm. After church, we prepared all the food. Everyone made it to midnight. We were going to walk down to the square in Hershey to watch the raising of the Hershey kiss. I didn’t want to go. Mom and Dad were tired. We stayed home. Everyone slept in the next day.

Everything went back to normal after that. Kelly took Monday off. Her days with me this week were Tuesday through Friday. We have been working on a few things. First, I have a TikTok. Please, follow me. So far, I’ve made over 20 videos. My username is arickoring. Second, many of you know I like to get mail. We went to the post office and I got a P.O. Box. If you want to send me mail then you can send it to PO Box 683 Hershey, PA 17033.