But Still, And Always, With Love

Here it is, slightly after four a.m. on Christmas Eve. The tree is decorated. Candy has been made and taken to the book store for my coworkers. Token gifts have been given to my dearest neighbors. All the presents have been purchased, tho there are still a few that need to be wrapped. Reservations for Christmas Eve dinner have been made and tonight John, my daughter, my son, his fiancee and myself will go and have a special dinner. There is a ham in the refrigerator for Christmas day dinner. I have waited on all my customers at the bookstore who, at first, were filled with Christmas cheer but who have now become irritable and impatient with spending hard earned money and waiting in long lines.

For various reasons, this has been a difficult season for me. I'm exhausted. I'm ready for it to be done with. I didn't do as much as I usually do. Usually, my house, inside and out, is decorated to the hilt. I love white lights and red ribbons, but I decorated minimally this year. I didn't even put the candy canes on the tree this year. and my family has noticed the difference.

My kids are getting older and so am I. In a year or two my son will be getting married and I will hand over the honor of being the family holiday hostess to my daughter-in-law to be. And I am ready.

For some reason, I'm not sure what, exactly, I am ready to step back. And I feel good about doing that. It's time.

It's time for mom to relax and rest and enjoy life. I may even, sometime during this year to come, leave the bookstore, focus more on reading and working out. I would love to get more into photography. And writing.

Come on, New Year, come on, new life, bring it on. There is change in the air.

Merry Christmas, all. Happy New Year. May your days be merry and bright.

(Tweetey, I'm posting the following video for everyone to enjoy, of course. But mostly I'm posting it for your little girls. Please, have them sit and watch it. The photos are adorable amd I think they'll love it. And a special Merry Christmas to you; I know this year has been a difficult one for you and I want you to know that I think you are a wonderful mommy. xoxo)