So, here we are. Christmas week. I don't know about anyone else, but, this is going to be a full week for our house. I still have a few gifts coming from "Santa's Brownies"........you know......The UPS guys!!, I am trying my hand for the first time making a yule log cake. I'll let you know how it all turns out. My wrapping is almost done, but I still have a bunch of fudge to make for my candy tins for the neighbors.

By now, I'm usually burned out, ready to have all the gift wrapped presents out of my site and counting the days for when I can take the Christmas tree down, and my house back to normal. For some reason I don't feel that way this year. For the first time in over fifteen years, I will leave the tree up until New Years. I have no desire to take it down and starting last night, the tree will be lit around the clock until Christmas day.

Because of everyones work schedules this year, I will have a feast ready late Christmas Eve as my hungry family will be coming in shifts. Sally will be bouncing off of walls even after she is put to bed. As tradition, Vern and Dee will spend the night here too. Santa knows to come to our house for Sally. The cookies and hot chocolate are already to be set out for him. She will open one gift before going to bed and then the adults will open our gifts before ending the day. Of course, we will all have our hot chocolate toast at 9pm to my Mother, Jamy and friends and family who passed over the past few years.

Despite the fact that it may rain on Christmas Eve, we will have a white Christmas this year. From Friday through Sunday, we picked up more that a foot and a half of snow. It is beautiful. Should we get the rain and hardly any more snow for the season after Christmas day, we would be more than grateful. An early spring would also be appreciated.

So, off I go......time to get back into my housework and baking. Just in case I don't get back here before the holidays.....

Merry Christmas!!