It’s Christmas Eve. And a Saturday. So, I’m reflecting on all the things that made me smile this week. Being home with family makes the list longer than usual. A good problem to have.
My first one-hour massage. Or any massage for that matter. It was heavenly.
Sherlock Holmes. My husband and I took a date day and saw the second one in the series. Love, love, love.
Dressing alike, unintentionally, and embracing the awkwardness. Hi, we’re the Paisleys.
Buddy day. And watching the next generation of buddies embrace our kids in play and fun. We are blessed with friendships we sometimes take for granted.
Apples to Apples. Best. Game. Ever.
Watching White Christmas with my daughter and my mom. She is the fourth generation of Johnson women to practice this tradition. We’ve added eggnog and Archway cashew nougat cookies to our annual viewing.
Leaving cookies out for Santa.
Meal planning and cooking with my partner in life, love and food. We stocked my sister-in-law’s freezer for worry-free meals after her baby is born, and we planned a holiday lunch for my husband’s family. It was an experimental sort of lunch for us, but thanks to our Food Network viewing habits, it was a success.
My son’s well-timed outbursts. He particularly likes to shout things in church when all is quiet. Tonight, he loudly proclaimed, “I want Mommy to wipe my nose!” and “No, I don’t want to go with Daddy.” Nothing says Christmas Eve candlelight service like a stubborn 2-year-old.
Christmas jammies.
Talking to my nephew, who is yet to be born. And watching our 3-year-old daughter place her hand on her aunt’s pregnant belly and feel her cousin kick. Precious.
Monkey Joe’s.
And an aunt and uncle willing to chase their niece and nephew around the complex and play.
Christmas — merry, indeed.