It's Christmastime in the Small Town

I'm back in Kansas for my family's annual Christmas celebration. I've only been here for two days, but boy, what a two days has it been!

In the past two days, I've twice, with my nephew in tow, made the trek to the nearest Wal-Mart, which is 25 miles away. I have once become extremely frustrated that there's not a store open in town past 9 pm (apparently I've been gone too long and forgotten what it's like to live in such a small place). I've baked, I've cooked, I've wrapped presents, I've talked to my mom endlessly, I've beaded, I've had a major blowout with the world's biggest jerk, and I've tried to rest, but sleep has, for the most part, been quite elusive.

Tomorrow, however, is the truly magical day - Christmas. I love Christmas. I love the joy and happiness of the day. I love the sounds of ripping paper and the delight in my nephew's eyes as he opens his gifts. I love the time I spend with my family. I love the food - the special things that we, for some reason, make only once a year. I love everything about Christmas - even the craziness the precludes the holiday.

There are people I would love to be able to see tomorrow who, alas, won't be part of my day for a variety of reasons. I'll be thinking of them and hope that they know that they'll be here with me in my heart.

I've still got much to do yet this evening - a stocking to stuff, presents to wrap, gifts to arrange under the tree, and a cheesecake left to bake. Amid all of the hustle and bustle, though, I wanted to take the time to wish each and every one of you a safe, happy, wonderful, merry, joyous, and beautiful Christmas.