angela_o

It's been an incredibly hectic few days with last minute trips to the grocery store, lots and lots of holiday baking, and frantic cleaning to try and get ready for my mother-in-law's arrival today. We had our traditional Christmas Eve celebration complete with a viewing of "A Christmas Story", caroling while driving around and looking at Christmas lights, readings of the Nativity from the various books of the New Testament, cups of hot cocoa, and one small present being opened by the children before bedtime. But, now the Santa presents are all wrapped and under the tree which looks beautiful. The stockings are filled with goodies. Presumably visions of sugarplums are dancing in the heads of my children as they are snuggled in their beds upstairs and a hush has fallen over my house.

This is my favorite time of Christmas. When everything is beautifully wrapped and the thrill of anticipation is at its zenith. I wish that this stage could last longer.

Now, to bed I go so that I'll be at least marginally well-rested when the early morning "Santa's come! Let's open presents!" clarion call arrives. But, before I go, I hope that each of you is having a blessed holiday and that your lives are filled with joy.