and so this is Christmas...

Well friends, we're here. It's finally Christmas. Okay, it's Christmas Eve...but close enough. The shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped and it's finally time to be with family and friends.

Each year, I'm met with a melancholy feeling around this time. Honestly, I just don't feel as though I have enough to do--probably the most ironic statement of the entire season. But these few days were always the busiest time of the year for me and my father in his church. We were always doing something--rounds at the hospital, homeless shelters, visiting shut-ins, preparing sanctuary for services Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, etc. We never really sat down.

So these two days come every year and I'm wondering, "what should I do next?" Then I realize, there is no "next" anymore. It makes me miss my father...a lot.

Nevertheless, it's quite a happy time in the CG household this Christmas. We've finally been successful in picking a venue for our wedding reception--Avon Old Farms Hotel--and preparations are fast being made. July 19 is certainly going to come quickly! My son is very excited to finally make it official with his step-mother, and we're finally excited to be sharing a name.

My students went way overboard in giving me Christmas gifts, that's for sure. I received two milk crates full of presents and gift cards from my cherubs...something for which I'm quite grateful. These children are very special to me and I'm very thankful to be teaching them. Catholic education is a unique and extraordinary experience I never thought I'd have...let alone enjoy. So that notion only serves to enhance the Christmas season, not to mention this school year.

But I do hope you'll take time out to just "stop and be" over these next two days. Really...sit on the couch and just watch your Christmas tree, relax over a cup of coffee or just lie back with your loved one and enjoy some quiet time. You're going to need it this week...and what better time than Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day? Bowling will be there, presents will be there, parties, relatives, phone calls and all of that will be there. Yet you need time for yourself and the one you love. Take it.

From all of us here at CG (okay, from me)...MERRY CHRISTMAS! It's my hope that all your wishes come true! See ya soon!

Bowling seems to be going "okay" as I've been in a bit of a slump these past two weeks. I think all the pressures of the season have been a part of it, and I'm hoping to break out of it all this week. One can hope.