The kids are all in bed having opened their jammies, danced around like madmen, sung several songs, listened to Lydia read the Christmas story in Luke, run around screeching, etc, etc, etc…you know, the usual bedtime fare.

I am sitting on my duff having cooked, cleaned, wrapped everything in sight and set out the stockings. I would like to arrange the presents under the tree artfully as my mother always did, but am struggling to get up.

Early this morning Eden awoke crying. Paul went to soothe her and came back fairly quickly. I asked what was wrong.

“She had a bad dream about a whale.”

“What happened?”

“That’s all she could say.”

And then he immediately fell asleep. I was awake another couple hours. Fantastic!

……….

Torey and I semi-artfully set out the presents.

Now I need to make up a bed for my mom who is spending the night.

I wanted all of the house to be immaculate, for that lovely Christmas morning feeling but we are in the midst of a bathroom renovation so a toilet, discreetly wrapped in a clean trash bag, currently resides in the corner of my kitchen. The living room is festive and lovely and our bedrooms are straightened and neat. It’s more than enough.

Merry Christmas.