The night before, The Night Before Christmas

Oh, the ache. My back hurts so bad!
But who cares? I don't! It's Christmas! (almost)

I've been stooped over my kitchen stove, counter tops and table for two days solid! And my body is paying the price. I have been up early in the morning, working late into the night, not getting to bed until 1-2am, all for the sake of Christmas cookies, tradition, holiday spirit and giving.

I made about 355 various sorts of cookies, including Christmas sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, caramel pecan sandies, and frosted almond drops. I also made six pounds of milk chocolate and semi-sweet fudge. Let me not forget to mention the peppermint crunch cupcakes.

Yes, I really did make 355 cookies! I counted them.

I am so domestic it's unbelievable. Yet, I am proud of myself for being that way. I plan on giving away every single cookie except for a plate for Matthew and I, and for Santa when he comes (wink wink).

Who does this anymore? Who  bakes like this and makes sure every family member, friend and neighbor has a box of assorted Christmas goodies? Grandmas mostly? Not even the soccer moms have time for that. Some people still make time for this lost art and tradition.  I'm proud to be one of those people.

Well, I'm bragging and I know that but, I don't care! I did a good job! I'm proud of myself. Let the domesticity shine down upon me. I love being a wife and mother on Christmas. It's great. I mean for God's sake, I was baking and frosting into the night, all for the sake of tradition, all to make my friends and family smile and enjoy something sweet.

 

I don't want an award, I don't want anything in return. I just simply look forward to the smiles and thanks I will receive for baking all these sugary, sweet goodies.

I'm sick to my stomach from sampling though. I'm sick to my stomach from frosting. My fingers and hands feel like they  have gone through a cheese grater. My back hurts like a mother fucker. But it's okay! I had so much fun. It's accomplished. I am done.

All throughout the day and night of Christmas Eve and Christmas I will also be thinking of my family, back home in Washington State, my sister and nieces in Montana and my friends scattered all over the world. I miss my family back home a lot and I know they miss me too. I've spent eight Holiday years away from them now. I wish they and my friends afar could taste my Christmas cookies.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and Matthew, William and I will be going to the in-laws (my in-laws, Matthew's family). We'll go see his mom first, and his grandma. Then we'll mingle over to his dad's house. Then we'll come home, late at night on Christmas Eve, pop in How The Grinch Stole Christmas and cuddle up together, the three of us with hot chocolates.  

Then it will be time to prepare for Santa to come! It's special this year! It's William first Christmas for real! For the first time as a mother and parent, I will I read to William The Night Before Christmas and afterwards, we'll set out cookies for the jolly man (wink wink). Then we'll tuck William in bed, so he can dream of sugar plums and shiny wrapped packages.

Finally after Santa comes and does his magic, Matthew and I will have one last look at the tree, adorned with lights, ornaments and well worked for, hard earned gifts. Then we'll go to bed. Or at least try to. I think our son will sleep better than we will! Oh the excitement!

Peace and joy to all on Earth. Merry Christmas.