I couldn’t sleep last night. What little sleep I got was interrupted by waking, feeling it was surely time to get up.

I couldn’t sleep, not because it was Christmas Eve. Although, I remember many Christmas Eves sleep was impossible. I stared into the darkness, dreaming of all the presents I would open the next morning.

Of my sixty-nine Christmases, I only remember being disappointed one time. I was hoping for a pop gun, and the box I was sure held the treasure turned out to be slippers.

No, Christmas was never disappointing, how could it be? Toys, race cars, BB guns, and trains eventually giving way to clothes and cologne, for which I was always thankful, made Christmas nothing but wonderful.

Somewhere, the joy of receiving turned to the joy of giving. The love of my life capturing my heart lifted Christmas to a brand new level. Having children of our own, and now watching them with their children has given us a contented joy that is difficult to describe.

We are now into the years of sharing our children with their in-law families, so we are thrilled when our holiday turns roll around. This year everyone is home, except our Jesse and Nikki, who moved to Australia four weeks ago. Thank God for FaceTime and texting!

I couldn’t sleep last night. Not because of presents, children, grandchildren, or dinner preparations. I couldn’t sleep last night because my alarm was set for 7:00 am. Every time I set an alarm I can’t sleep. I wake up many times, certain my alarm is about to sound.

I woke again at 5:30 and decided I’d had enough of waiting. I got up and made the pudding for banana cream and chocolate pies.

I love Christmas. I love the music, the decorations, the trees, presents, Christmas cookies, and the anticipation.

I love watching young parents putting toys together without reading the instructions, just like I did. Christmas is wonderful.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!