Mele Kalikimaka!

It is now approximately 0130 PST.

The final gift has been wrapped. I just finished watching "Beavis and Butthead do Christmas" on DVD. I cleaned up the ribbons, tags and tissue, and now it's time for me to finally crawl into bed and wait for Santa.

But before I go to sleep, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and tell you a short story.

Only a couple of days ago Amelia, Diana and I were talking about visiting with Santa Claus. Amelia reminded us that she had asked Santa for a turtle for Christmas.

Monday afternoon, Diana and I went shopping for Amelia's Christmas presents - including a toy turtle. Now I don't know how much Diana understands, or if she knows what's really going on at Christmas time, but as soon as Amelia said something about wanting a turtle Diana said, in her quiet voice, "Mommy, you bought a turtle for Amelia."

I was a tiny bit worried that Diana would think I had something to do with Amelia's Christmas morning gifts, so I said nothing. But after a short pause, Diana wrapped her arms around my neck and told me with a big hug, "I love you, mommy."

And that is the best thing about Christmas.

Lisa