Christmas Eve

Tonight I talked with a friend about the reality that for many, Christmas is accompanied primarily by pain. The ache from lost loved ones and broken families is often emphasized around the holidays and it replaces the innocence, joy, and magic that we felt as kids. For us, this Christmas is hard and messy and unconventional, but we've been greatly blessed indeed.

And to help me remember the innocence, I got to spend Christmas Eve with this handsome fellow, who serenaded me with Christmas carols.

And this little doll...

And I ran home in time to kiss the foreheads of my girls before they went to sleep and to ensure that they remembered the big day was almost here. And pulling into the driveway, I realized we still hadn't made the promised gingerbread men for Santa. And you obviously can't go to bed on Christmas Eve until this task has been completed.