The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve.  The presents are wrapped and under the tree.  The table is set with holiday china and crystal that catches the sunlight as it comes in through the window.  The fire is laid, the stockings are hung, the wine is chilled. It's nice to be organized and ready, I guess........................

But there is a certain part of me that misses Christmas past.  Frantic last minute shopping trips to help Santa with a unidentified and here -to -newly named item on a six year old's list.  Counters of decorated cookies with sprinkles and icing globs found upstairs and three rooms away.  Christmas programs and last minute costumes,  unwilling shepherds and over-eager angels.  Staying up late to wrap unobserved and getting up early with one who ate too much fudge the night before. Putting complicated toys together Christmas Eve, so tired you were cross-eyed.   Driving four children in four different directions-all at the same time.  I never knew how much I would miss the rides.

Later, when my children were older, Christmas meant, out of school.  The door slamming, the fridge opening, the phones ringing.  Kids sleeping late, out on four wheelers, sleeping over.  The joy of no routine and no agenda. Christmas break was grand.

Now I have the time to polish silver that belonged to my Grandmother.  I can try a complicated recipe that takes both time and practice.  I can write actual messages on my Christmas cards and truly wrap packages with wrapping paper, tape and bows- no dropping in the oh -so- quick sacks.  If I wanted to I could gild oranges in gold and silver, needlepoint tree skirts with my own design and shoot, even plant my own Christmas trees.  How very Martha Stewart of me.

Yeah. Right.  No matter what, there never seems to be enough time, getting ready for Christmas.  Its just how we get ready that changes.  Tis  the Season.  Merry Christmas!  chrissie