Dec. 25, 2002

Jennifer Thomas, a senior captain on the UNC women's basketball team, is keeping a journal for TarHeelBlue.com throughout the season.

Happy birthday Jesus! And Merry Christmas Tar Heel fans!!!

Last night before I went to bed I hoped and prayed that it would snow, and when I woke up the ground was completely covered. There's nothing like having a white X-mas -- it really gets you in the spirit.

Yesterday was out-of-control for me. I am the kind of person who likes the thrill of shopping at the last minute, so when X-mas Eve rolled around and I still needed to get a few more gifts, I didn't panic. I assumed I should be able to finish up by 4 p.m. and still make it to the grocery store to pick up a few items. However, little did I know that the whole metropolitan Detroit area thought and shopped just like me! The mall was jam-packed and you literally had to fight for any decent X-mas gifts. It was like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) at the mall as well as at the supermarket. But I was able to get all of the gifts I needed.

Right now it's about 11:30 a.m. and I still haven't opened my gifts. For X-mas I decided to stay with my dad, and we decided to wait until we went to my mom's house to open all of the gifts. However, what I'm excited about is getting a home-cooked meal. Jodi Hopkins, the strength and conditioning coach, would kill me if she knew that I have been starving myself so that I can pig out once the X-mas meal is finished! But enough about me. I hope that everyone is having a wonderful time with their families and friends, because these are the moments we should all cherish. X-mas is my favorite holiday, because you get to spend time with your families, while celebrating the birth of our Savior.

In closing, I would like to wish you all (the fans), my teammates and their families, and the coaches a Merry Christmas. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

XOXO,

Jennifer #10