Sunday, December 15th

 I am finding it difficult to concentrate on the things that are most important. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Unoriginal, I know, but there it is.  I am a great hold out for the belief in Santa Clause. While I may concede that a jolly fat man in a red suit doesn't visit each and every child's house around the globe every December the 24th. I still believe that it's possible AND that there is such a being.  He may not physically live at the North Pole or surround himself with an army of elves. But St Nicholas was real and his spirit somehow fills the world with hope and generosity and good will - and if that's not a miracle I don't know what is.  

There is so much to love about this time of year.  The lights. the food, the traditions, the stories, the music, the pageants, the fun. I want to shower my kids with the magic and fun! But I just don't have the energy. I can't keep the kitchen clean enough to make cookies,. This stupid lingering cough had kept me from singing all my favorite carols and tunes.