a little peace and quiet

The mania of Christmas preparations has passed for me. The house is reasonably clean. The baking is mostly done. I did the majority of my shopping online, so all I have left to do is wait for the final presents to arrive. Our house is quiet. It's a good night for snuggling on the couch and reading a book.

My sister and brother arrive tomorrow and Craig's parents the day after that. We will have a full house (for us at least, though four additional people really isn't too many for a holiday). Wouldn't you know it, we've all come down with colds just in time. Boogery Byrons is how we will be for the holidays.

I'm really looking forward to Christmas. Watching Grace descend the stairs and find her stocking is going to be such fun. As a kid, my siblings and I were never spoiled with gifts at Christmas. In fact, there were a number of years when my parents had to scrape to get small presents for the four of us. Still my memories of that time retain the warmth and love that is family. Spending time with loved ones is essence of Christmas for me.

I wouldn't say that it's a particularly religious holiday for me (oh, the sacrilege), but it is a spiritual time. I feel most deeply this time of the year the interconnected nature of our lives and the miracle of life itself, especially as I watch my children laugh, play and grow. I am also filled with thanks for a healthy and prosperous year for our family. My hope, as is the hope of so, so many, is for a little more peace this year.

Ardis Hanish, a dear friend of the family, sent the best holiday card this year. It reads:

Let's give less stuff
and share more love
Let's be the peace
we're dreaming of.

That would be a wonderful Christmas indeed.