Christmas Day at Dave’s House

It’s Christmas Day and Dave Cox is entertaining his family is a fine style. He invited me to get a peek into the holiday at his home in Webster Groves and followed up text message. “Stop by for breakfast. We’re making omelets. Gene and Carol will be here.”
 
Not wanting to show up empty-handed, I quickly assembled a holiday bundle starting with the return/regift of a Sandbox backpack Dave gave me a few years ago. I added a few books from my marketing library: Eating the Big Fish by Adam Morgan, Acker’s book on Branding, Change by Design by IDEO’s CEO Tim Brown along with some random golf instruction CDs, Tarentino’s Reservoir Dogs, a water bottle from triple-A and a Book of Insults. The return of the backpack got a laugh from Dave. Unpacking for the benefit of Dave’s parents got some laughs too. Finishing big with the Giant Book of Insults. “Are you always this stupid or are you making a special effort today… Brains aren't everything. In fact in your case they're nothing…Don't let you mind wander - it's far too small to be let out on its own…” Dave’s dad is an especially good audience for such silliness.

Joyce is welcoming. Danny (Danniele) and Nicole are preoccupied with technology. A new Mini iPad tablet is a big hit. The house is decorated. The front room has a magnificent tree from the Holy Redeemer Tree Lot and the sunroom has an artificial tree that is pretty convincing as a staging area for presents. Stockings by the mantel have already been emptied and Sammy’s trip to Paris is assured. The gift is represented in French with a certificate (designed by Sandbox Creative, no doubt). The certificate will be cashed in this coming Summer (2013) – lucky girl!   

A complete set of parents (Dave’s and Joyce’s) are poised to partake in chef Dave’s omelet station with capable assist from Sammy (Samantha). Mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, bacon and more options are on view like a TV cooking show demonstration. Dave is running the show, “Next!” Maybe Uncle Gene and Carol are ready for the custom service.

Dave’s brother Steve Cox make a cameo long enough to show off his designer cowboy boots and his brother Michael is settled-in the dining room. “You are Dave’s youngest brother. The youngest is always the best.” He responds “You bet,” as I take my leave. (Lynn and I have tickets to see the first showing of the movie adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic Les Miserables. I’m sure she’ll want to be at the Des Peres Theater early and get a good seat.)