Heather R.'s Diary Entries Diary Navigation: Choose A Diary Entry -------------------- Latest Entry: 11/30/01 -------------------- 10/25/01 6/21/01 5/10/01 4/8/01 3/30/01 3/23/01 3/15/01 3/7/01 2/27/01 2/20/01 2/12/01 1/29/01 1/17/01 1/1/01 12/27/00 12/19/00 12/1/00 11/13/00 -------------------- Heather R.'s Introduction

December 19, 2000

"Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly!"

Christmas is almost upon us, and by the time you read this, it may have already passed. But the preparations have enveloped our household. All of the presents have been purchased and wrapped. The tree is loaded with ornaments and lights. Goodies and treats have been baked, and the 'fridge is stocked with eats for the Christmas day feast.

Is it any wonder why I love this time of year?

Also, I must confess, the 20th (tomorrow) is my birthday. Now, most people get ready to feel sorry for me because of the proximity my day has to Christmas. Please, don't. I have always loved having my birthday this close to one of the biggest holidays of the year. Everyone is happy and the streets and malls are filled with chatting and shopping people. As a child, I was convinced that the lights and decorations were all for me, and so even my first memories of my birthday are intertwined with those of Christmas to the point that the two seem to coexist in my mind. I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, as for tomorrow, which will be my 27th birthday, John is planning a special dinner at home. We're having brie on crackers, mixed greens with artichokes, roma tomatoes and kalamata olives, and shrimp scampi on linguine and white wine to drink. I'm not supposed to know it, but he has the fixin's for a chocolate cake hidden in the house. Top that off with two gifts (one from the kids and one from him), and I'm sure to have a super day. I can hardly wait!

Chloe and Ivan are both doing well. Chloe can hardly stand the wait until Christmas morning, and asks to open the Christmas presents several times a day. Ivan just likes the shiny wrap and ribbons, and is still at the age where those would probably be preferable to the actual gifts within the wrappings. It doesn't matter -- we've still spent a boot full of cash on both kids. I can't wait to see their faces Christmas morning.

If anything has renewed my faith in humanity, it is the brief expressions of pure joy that cross my children's faces from time to time. I'm intelligent enough to realize that it is not the gifts themselves, or the inherent value of the gifts, but it is the amazement and wonder of the holiday season -- the smells of cinnamon, wassail, nutmeg; the glowing halos of string upon string of lights; the glint of ornaments and tinsel; and the fleeting belief in the benevolent Santa Claus. Christmas represents everything that is wondrous, true and unique to childhood. I'm glad that Chloe and Ivan are here to remind me of that long ago time.

Until next week friends,

Heather