My Kind Of Christmas Eve

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 not 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.  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:

Pink & Pretty Barbie
Photo source: amazon.com

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Merry Christmas!

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c.b.w. 2012