Christmas Eve Eve

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. So, this is Christmas Eve Eve.

When I was a little girl, there was just as much anticipation and excitement for this night as it was for Christmas Eve, which is when we traditionally would open our presents because Christmas Day was all for cooking, eating, and visiting...and playing with the new toys so the grown-ups would know which ones to take back and exchange (this rarely happened).

The excitement for this evening was just because. Just because it was close to Christmas. Just because the best Christmas specials came on. Just because Mommy and Daddy relaxed a little longer in preparation for the spectacular marathon of family and friends that we would go through receiving into our home and feeding. It was never a chore. It was exciting and wonderful. It was what Christmas meant to them, and subsequently to the rest of us girls. Christmas was the time when all of us could openly hope and trust; remember Christ's birth and ultimate sacrifice. This is how Christmas is supposed to be celebrated.

Even though Mommy and Daddy are gone, this is still how Christmas is celebrated with very few changes. Christmas Eve is for Church service and exchanging of a few gifts. Christmas Day is for traveling to Richmond to Hubby's parents' and the most wonderful of feasts. Christmas Night is for the exchange of gifts between me and Hubby and a few other people.

Our Christmas celebration doesn't stop until the full 12 Days of Christmas have gone. Somewhere in there is a celebration of all of our friends and family. This year it is going to be on January 8th. It is a time of more fellowship and love. It is a continuing time of hope.

For a few years I didn't have this hope, this "Christmas Spirit" if you will. This year it has returned and I can't help but spread the hope and belief of the upcoming New Year of 2010 is going to be spectacular. Mostly it is because I need to believe next year (which is so close you can taste it) is going to be absolutely the most fantastic of years for me and those I love.