Merry Christmas Eve

Today, the presents are still under the tree and the carrot cake is still in the fridge (with the cream cheese icing sliding down the sides). Today I don't have to think about what a hassle it will be to take each ornament off the tree and haul out all the wrapping paper and ribbon to the trash and all the decorations down to the basement.

I have the holiday spirit for the first time since I was a kid. Can't you see it in that picture above? There are Santa Clauses and reindeer practically coming out of my ears. It's (obviously!) all because of Tessa. Like ole Erma Bombeck said, "There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

Tonight we're going out to my mom's house for spaghetti and Scrabble, presents and my melting carrot cake. My Aunt Bugs mailed a packet of reindeer food for Tessa to sprinkle outside. I'd never heard of it before, but I think it's a really sweet tradition to start with her. When we get home, Nekos and I will put Tessa to bed, open a bottle of wine, and watch a Christmas movie. I'm thinking Elf.

Reindeer food

When I was a kid my Dad would go outside on Christmas Eve and ring a bell outside my bedroom window. I'd be curled in bed with my mom, who'd be reading to me, and she'd tell me that that bell meant Santa was on his way. I want to do that for Tessa too.

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope y'all are eating lots of carbs and staying warm.