Merry Christmas!

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I'm in the perfect place to write at the moment. It's raining outside, and I'm sitting in a big comfy couch, a fire roaring, the Christmas lights and ornaments twinkling on the tree. I have a hot cup of coffee on my mind, but not really any interest in making it myself. If only elves came to visit me on their days off. Speaking of make-believe, I think there is a little ghost who lives in my fireplace. All of a sudden, for no reason at all, the fire will shut off, only to start up again a few minutes later. At this time of year I choose to believe it is the Ghost of Christmas Giving. I love love love giving gifts. There is nothing that excites me more than finding the perfect gift for someone. I love hearing stories about the perfect gift. I love being at the store and spotting it from the other end of the aisle, or stumbling across it in a magazine. The Ghost of Christmas Giving encourages me not to settle; the right gift will come along. He encourages me to open my home to friends and family, filling it with the warmth of the season. He encourages me to make sure that our tree has little companions... and when I see one for me... he encourages me to shake it... analyze it... and maybe slip the ribbon off it just a little... But then my old friends Conscience and Guilt join the party, and I put the gifts back where they belong. And the Ghost of Christmas Giving smiles and reminds me that part of the joy in gift giving is allowing the giver to see our expressions of gratitude and joy. Merry Christmas, everyone! We wish you the most blessed and wonderful season. Love, Zach, Kali, and Belle.

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