There’s only one more day until Christmas! Some of us are racing out to buy the perfect gift at the last minute, while others are wrapping or baking before time runs out. Whatever today brings, keep the spirit of the season close at hand to make even the longest to-do list a bit of fun.
One of my cats got in the spirit of things and gave me a little chuckle:

Photo by: c.b.w. 2012
As for me on this Christmas Eve, I plan on settling down with a good book in the morning and pulling out a set of knitting needles in the afternoon. By evening, I’ll be with my family enjoying Sloppy Joe’s only my mother can make and giving my Grandpa a hug to make up for the one he’ll be missing. As I’ve said many times over the last two weeks, with great sadness comes great joy. Even though there is an empty space, if I know my family at all, we will still celebrate with laughter and smiles. The holidays are a time to appreciate what we have and love those in our midst even if memories are all we have left.
Our Christmas Eve parties have never been about fancy dishes or dressing up, but rather coming as we are and nibbling on a potluck buffet. There’s a pickle to find and Christmas Bingo to win, rum and Cokes to drink, and little dogs dressed up in ridiculous costumes. A fun time is had by all.
Sometimes a gift or two is exchanged, but on the whole its all about being with one another. Christmas music plays until someone wants to watch a holiday movie, (usually Home Alone or Die Hard 1 or 2). Traditional we are notΒ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To make my Christmas Eve complete, here’s my letter to Santa:
Dear Santa,
I’m probably much too old to be writing you a letter, but as my Grandma always taught me, no one is ever too old to be a kid at heart. My life is full of more than I could ever need, so my wants are really quite small.
The people I love still surround me and I hope they continue to be happy, safe, and healthy. While my Grandma has since passed, I know she isn’t far away. Β The memories I have of her are the greatest gift of all.
I continue to be blessed with a husband that gives me far more than I deserve. How I am so lucky, I will never know. Grant me the wisdom to know how to repay him for all his kindness and love.
My “boys” and “girls” are growing older, but I still look forward to their wagging tails and gentle purrs each and every day. May they continue to live happy, carefree lives.
My friends are few, but precious. May they all find peace in their challenges and may I always be there to give them hope and comfort when they need it the most.
My bookshelves are full, but I wouldn’t mind a little more space to magically appear.
The end of the world did not come, (shocker), so may the next year be one known for more good than bad.
Merry Christmas,
c.b.w.
p.s. I know we’ve had several discussions regarding one Pink & Pretty Barbie. She wasn’t under my tree last year, so maybe this year? I’m still not too old for this Christmas wish to come true. Here’s a visual aid:
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Merry Christmas!
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c.b.w. 2012
There she is! We have had fun with Pink & Pretty barbie all these years, probably more fun than if we actually had her! ha ha Great post.
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She wasn’t under my tree again, so we have at least another year of fun. π
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Love your family traditions. We’ve developed some of the same: munchies and just being together. We are into a Harry Potter marathon. Enjoy your day.
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I thought of you when I saw a Harry Potter movie was playing on one of the movie channels. Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing trip to Hogwarts. π
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Merry Christmas, C.B.! I hope that Santa brings you all of your heart’s desires.
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Merry Christmas! Hope Santa was kind to you as well! π
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Merry Christmas! It all sounds wonderful! We’re taking it very easy, with only the two of us this year..
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I like a simple Christmas . . . our family is small, too. I like the coziness of small gathering. π
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Happy Holiday’s C.B. We are NEVER to old to write a letter to Santa!
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Happy Holidays!! π
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Haven’t had a “family Christmas” since my grandmother passed, about 20 years ago? Sure is nice to read that people still get together for laughter and fun. I like your Santa letter. If you didn’t get her this year, there’s always your birthday, and Christmas…
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Christmas was a little different this year without Grandma, but it was still wonderful that we all got together and had a great time. I think all the laughter helped to heal a little part of the wound we all have.
No Pink and Pretty Barbie this year, but it was quite enough for me to know my sister tried to find her online. I found that very touching. π
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Loved your Santa letter! Beautifully said. Happy New Year!
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Thanks. π One year it was prompt in my writer’s group to write a letter to Santa and I’ve decided to keep the tradition going.
Happy New Year!!
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Is it me, or is your cat doing a damn-good Simon’s Cat impersonation?
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I thought the same thing when I took the picture! She is a furry package of mischief. π
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My estrogen must be too high, because your letter to Santa almost made me cry. π
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Lol! Just call me a softy. π
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