I feel so "cozy" about Christmas this year.
No school. Our own home. Pretty tree. Good jobs, good health, happy family. I know it's not Thanksgiving, but I can't help but count my blessings as I sit here with happy memories of this holiday season already filling my heart.
Cameron spent the night last night and incredulously asked, "where are your Christmas cookies?!?" (Well, he didn't say it with that much emotion, you know Cameron.) So after I beat him at a game of poker (I think he let me win) and a trip to Pick Up Stix for dinner (he eats well with chopsticks) we pulled out the bowls, spoons, flour and eggs and made Christmas cookies. What a trip down memory lane for me! I haven't made cut-out cookies in forever because Nate doesn't like them.
Anyway, it was special for me and made my heart glow to do something Christmas-y with my little brother that we used to have such fun with growing up. I sorta expected to look up and see him in his green long-sleeved pajama top and diapers, but, no--now it's a goatee, jauntily perched NY Yankees ballcap, and quiet humming of some hip-hop song occasionally bursting into full refrain. I love my little brother.
(Mom, I love the pitcher you gave me for Christmas!!! See how pretty it looks there on our wine rack? Most of all I love remembering the day we saw it together. I love you.)By the way, it's obvious how much Cameron and Bonnie love each other. They seem to have a really solid relationship. Rare.
The presents are all wrapped. I'm even going to have time to write some thank you cards today. We've got hot chocolate (and now cookies!) and the tree is sparkling prettily by our media amoire. When Nate's finished watching his new Scrubs DVD (thanks, Virginia & Dennis!) I'll turn on the Christmas tunes. It's a gorgeous, clear day and it will be a cold, crisp night tonight.
Tonight, after church (where we're singing songs I love) we'll head over to the Jarrell's and we get to revel in the annual gaities with Erinn and Dieter this year. That will be so special; last year, Erinn missed him so much on this most special day of the year and now they will be together.
This morning, my Mom called from Michigan and it was good to hear her quiet, soothing voice with that hint of excitement she always gets right before Christmas. She is so special to me and I am so glad she gets to spend the day there and make new memories and, perhaps, a few new traditions.
I can't help the tears that fill my eyes as I look around at everything surrounding me and realize that I am really home. All is calm and bright.
Merry Christmas!!
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