Santa arrive about 3:00 a.m. this morning, at which point all three dogs thought it was time to eat and to go outside. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but one of them fell down while Santa was at working causing the dogs to bark and Santa's helper to wake up. Thankfully, the fire had gone out. Since it was in the mid-50s, Santa wasn't all bundled up and could make a quick run to the car where he'd left the lotto tickets that were to go into the stockings. Fortunately, Security was not strolling by. While looking at the sleigh, I was reminded of the political cartoon that showed Santa with only one reindeer due to lay-offs. Sad, but true, so he had to work fast and furiously.
Mama in her kerchief returned to bed for another four hours of sleep. Then, let the day begin. I spend a little more time combing my hair as it seems Christmas pictures for the last four years are so horrid of me, they've been deleted. Plus, I had bought a warm comfie red thing from Soma. There are two visiting dog guests. All were decked out in holiday finery, much to their disgust. As gift opening time arrived, the camera was charged, the trash bag was positioned, everyone had drinks (coffee, water and Diet Dr. Pepper) and Christmas tree donuts. Let the madness of unwrapping presents begin.
Santa's helper got close and an infrared mouse. Momma got Nintendo DS games and an IMac. The kiddies got necessary fun stuff and the puppies got lots and lots of treats. But despite the flurry of Christmas paper and bows flying everywhere, it was the family circle that made the morning. Four of us gathered to talk, laugh, reflect, tell funny stories and love each other. For all the pre-planned activities, it is the circle of love that represents Christmas. Then, off to church at 10:00. Time to take a deep breath, sing carols, feel God's love, give thanks for all our blessings, pray for those in need.
We'd tried something new this year and that was to buy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at Target. I mastered the guilt of not slaving over the stove and thought I was home free. That was until I went to pick up the dinner and Target team members told me they had no record of my order. After a sharp intake of breath, the Christmas spirit prevailed, and they put a dinner together for me, but the turkey was frozen. Does anyone else remember how cold your hands get trying to pry out he turkey parts from inside the turkey? Brrrr. A wonderful dinner was had by all (we've yet to have the pumpkin pie) and then the tryptophan kicked in. I'm becoming very fond of siestas - tryptophan induced or not.
We woke up in time to spruce up for Christmas dinner with friends. Tamales, pulled-pork sandwiches, chocolate-covered cherries, whew! I remember when a box of chocolate-covered cherries had about 24 cherries in in. There are now 10. Ten! Talk about a waste of packaging.
We're home now. Mellow, happy, loved, full, sleepy, satiated. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
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