A Christmas Message

As I did last year, I’m going to be spending the day with my loved ones — my wife and children, my sister, my mother-in-law, and some of our very best friends.

We’re going to get up when Michael, our youngest, wakes us. He’s 15 now — maybe too old to be waking up at the crack of dawn. Let’s hope so.

The stockings, hung by the chimney just hours earlier, will be opened first thing. I especially like the stocking stuffers — unexpected little delights that, if not eaten, will almost surely never be used.

Christmas breakfast follows. Here is where I take command. Eggs, bacon, cakes, and muffins. Coffee, juice, and Champagne cocktails. There will be a great flurry of momentum in the kitchen. Fast, forward-looking eating in the dining room.

Afterward, the “real” present opening will begin. Will it be a mad rush this year? Or will we be more civilized, each taking time to save the wrapping paper?

During the day, friends and family will come by and more presents will be opened, more thank-yous said, and more kisses given. Eggnog may be present. Bloody Marys too.

Christmas dinner will be for 20. Or more. It depends on who comes by. Kathy is in charge of the food. It will be elegant and sumptuous.

At dusk, we’ll light the lights outside, light the candles inside, and continue to enjoy one another’s company as long as we can keep our eyes open.

Late tonight — probably much too late — I will fall asleep counting my many blessings.

I hope you do the same.