It's Christmas Eve

The sun is bright overhead, the air will warm this afternoon. No snow. Jillian is on her way to Philly to meet Rob, Aaron is in Ohio with Annie, Christopher and Nicole are at home in Arizona.

Ho Ho Ho ... Hum.

But Beth is here, Michael's cousin, and Aunt Betty Smith from South Carolina. Mama's here ... of course ... and we're sure to have a house full this evening and tomorrow. The pies and cookies are baked, the rest is waiting in the refrigerator. The outside of the house is decorated to the max ... our usual. Wreaths, the house is covered in blue lights outside (one big Kmart blue light special,) deer in the yard, bows on the windows, and of course Santa riding a cow next to the driveway. Inside our tree is lit and beautiful, we have a Dickens village covering the top of the TV cabinet, dogs, frogs, pigs, cactus and cows that sing Christmas carols (don't ask) the house is filled with ornaments, manger scenes, centerpieces of poinsettia and greenery, and sweets galore.

So why doesn't it feel like Christmas?

Maybe it's the weather, maybe because we miss our kids, maybe it's just me. I don't know. I think I've been a fairly good girl this year. I love having Beth and Betty here ... it's really been fun ... watching movies, eating, watching football, eating, talking to Beth about her trip around the world, eating ... and on and on.

But I think Michael and I just feel like we want this holiday nonsense overwith. We're ready to get on with the new year. We're ready to hop on into 2006.

I suppose we should just kick back and enjoy the day.

After all, it's Christmas Eve.

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season.