Oy humbug.

Another week of holiday insanity begins in a few hours. I am savoring these moments right now when no one is asking me to do anything. I have definitely enjoyed my restful Sunday and I actually accomplished two shopping goals. I was planning on accomplishing zero-nothing, so net-net, it was a strong day. Also, I helped Jan get the Christmas tree up (she was very proud of sawing the bottom herself, and rightfully so, except that I'm sure she'll be complaining about arm/shoulder soreness tomorrow), and took a nap while her first batch of homemade bread was baking and Holiday Inn was playing. I love those holiday naps, where you're enveloped in smells and sounds that don't occur often. Evergreen trees, Christmas carols, yummy treats, maybe some cold wind outside? Stellar nap conditions. And it's even better if you wake up blinking at a lighted garland.

I've spoken to several parents in the past few weeks who've mentioned worry at the idea of what their children will have to open on Christmas morning. This is distressing. I can't speak for all of those offspring, but most of them are adult enough to know that the real value of Christmas is intangible and priceless. Of course, it's great to have a pile of loot, but not if it comes at such a steep price! I'd much rather just have a few days with my family together, where we high-five each other for getting through another year, and can vacate the every-day for a little while. It's pretty awful when people start banking on "earnings" from Christmas morning. However, given that I'm working in that exact industry right now, I probably shouldn't complain. But, for real, any parents who are reading this: don't break your neck trying for that "OMG!!" moment under the Christmas tree. Just give your kid(s) a hug and have another cookie.

I am looking forward to Christmas Eve this year and my family's annual holiday party, but I am a little apprehensive, too. It's going to be different. We had a solid 25 years of a packed house and too much food, so it's only fair that things shift a bit. That isn't much consolation, though. Our dear friend Howard passed away and Christmas Eve won't be the same without his easy nature and general awesomeness. He is sorely missed. Aside from that, my surrogate sister Adrienne got married in May, and she is spending Christmas Eve with her new in-laws. My aunt Mary-Ann and her family will be home in Brooklyn. Another surrogate sister, Sydney, is spending Christmas with her own family in Colorado. Sucksville across the board. However, I should note that the less people at Christmas Eve, the bigger portion of Christmas trifle I get to eat. (My sister-in-law-to-be, Kelly, makes it every year, and my ardent admiration of her has strong roots in that trifle. Hoe. Lee. SHIT. It is the business.)

Ok. I need some restorative sleep before this coming week. My dad, the perpetual coach, has been known to say "Tighten your helmet and get back to work", and my siblings (and some friends) have adapted that proverb to non-lacrosse situations. Well, my helmet will be on good and tight for the next 10 days.