‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house

All the creatures are stirring, often in wild circles around the family room.

The stockings sit snuggled in their attic bins –

Whoops. I guess you can’t expect it all when you let the kiddos decorate.

Our kids are off helping to pack some things up.

They might be older but they’re smart to be helpful –

It’s no time to sass when Christmas is on the line.

I sit in my sweatshirt, my slippers, my jammies,

And sip on my coffee as I try hard to rally.

We Can Do Hard Things. EVEN ALL OF THIS.

Time for cleaning, for sorting, for packing and organizing –

Who says you can’t do it all at the holidays?

I laugh in their general direction.

Bwahahahahaha!!

The presents are wrapped, stocking stuffers are ready.

Nothing left to do but wait for (way past) nightfall

When we’ll try not to break our necks

Sneaking down a dark stairwell

Carrying armfuls of presents

As we listen intently for squeaking doors

(the only time of year I don’t think “we really need to W2 that freaking hinge”)

And furtive bathroom trips.

Now my break is over, time to get on with the day.

Merry Christmas,

Happy Hanukkah,

Happy Kwanzaa,

Happy Boxing Day

To you and yours.

Best wishes for a relatively peaceful, pleasantly joyful, Urgent Care free holiday

And good stuff in the new year…