merry christmas
wishing you hope.joy.peace and LOVE

i dont care much for pretty boxes
or lovely paper and shiny bows
the best girts rarely come wrapped.

thanks to the presence of a little girl who can barely walk straight
but is intent on shrieking while running through the rooms in my house
and along the aisles of the supermarket
i've enjoyed christmas like i havent in years
her smile lights up the room more than any number of bulbs on a christmas tree could
and the warmth she brings just touches your very core.

unfortunately though, my dislike for large family gatherings has been further reinforced and cemented
cosy nice quiet small affairs are infinitely more comfortable and enjoyable.
although i have discoverd today the advantage of male cousins -
they are the ones responsible for clearing packing and carrying heavy stuff and we just stand around, watch and try to look helpful.
*smiles