In absentia - I'm out today, so I wrote in advance. It's Christmas time!

Today it starts! Today I'm running around like a crazy person, shopping on the busiest day of the year, because I love the bustle of the holiday season. I'll find just the right things for this person and that, and I'll pick up decorations and trifles to make my house overflow with Yuletide spirit. I'll stop and listen to the carollers, and gaze at the decorations on the Christmas trees.

After a brisk day of shopping, I will stash all the treasures in the car and go work at the mall. As I have every other year, will smile and be jolly while everyone's rushing around. I'll sing Christmas Carols for the heck of it, just because I'm in the mood. I'll make a special trip to the mall cookie shop and get a Christmas cookie, and watch the kids with Santa Claus on my break.

At closing time I'll go home, and the real holiday season begins. Later in the weekend Forest, Kirstin and I will probably get a tree, put it up in the Ninja room and decorate it. We'll pick out cards to send, and wrapping paper, and supply our house like a second North Pole, where we can wrap up and stash all our gifts for the big day. We'll have to be extra careful this year, so the kitten doesn't raid Santa's bag.

I'll make myself a new car tape, full of Christmas songs. Hopefully we will get tickets to see the Messiah, and be able to get out of work to go.

Sleigh bells ring
Are you listening?
In the lane
Snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a Winter Wonderland.