Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa is in Bolivia! Maybe he can get me a watch while he's there - it's about time!

Today has been another massive day. We start at the beginning, of course: Madison woke up first, quite excited about it being Christmas Eve. You could hear her little feet stomping down the hallway and jumping into our room. She called out, "Wake up! Wake up!"

We did the advent calendar one more time, and Daddy is pretty proud to say we managed to remember that advent calendar every single day. Madison helped us remember too, bringing the book out each day so she could open a new window each morning. Also, the amaryllis is nearly in bloom - another sign that Christmastime is here.

Daddy has some shopping to do, so he raced out the door just like Arnold did in "Jingle All the Way." Daddy had a much easier time with things than Arnold did, though the crowds were really out there in force. Fortunately, I was not after a Turbo Man. Meanwhile, Mommy and Madison prepared for the big day by wrapping and cooking and making spirits bright. We watched some more Christmas movies and listened to more Christmas music. We have an extensive library, and have been watching Christmas movies ever since November 1st! Can you believe Christmas is here already?

Later on this evening, Daddy met Mommy and Madison at the church for Christmas Eve service. This time, Daddy wasn't on the stage: instead it was Madison! She was a cute little sheep again just like last year, and joined the others in the stable for our big Christmas Eve service. She did wonderfully out there, and got a big reaction from the crowd - and our Pastor - when she hopped out there in her little outfit!

Mommy and Daddy were backstage, just beaming at our beautiful daughter. It wasn't a huge part or anything - she just went out as a lamb to the nativity scene, and then returned when the story was over. But still, it was really sweet. And she enjoyed it quite a bit. She even did one of her cute fake sneezes at the end, which got lots of people laughing. Daddy's favorite part was when the people walked by to be counted for the census, Madison waved at the Roman soldier. Here she is below, posing with a few of her friends backstage:

After church, just like every Christmas Eve, we went to Ye-Ye and Nana's house for food, fellowship and fun! Seriously, it is always a wonderful time to get together. They had all sorts of great food there, and everything was decorated nicely. We watched a little of "Despicable Me" before going through our tradition of opening up at least one present. Madison was excited to open hers up - she actually opened two!

When we got home, it was time to get ready for bed. We checked the Norad Santa tracker, and got some cookies and milk put out for Santa should he drop by. Madison was quite helpful in setting up the plate with the cookies. She put out carrots too, just for the reindeer!

The forecast for tomorrow is still snow. It's technically tomorrow evening, and not during the daytime so much. But still, the odds are pretty high against that happening at all. According to the local news agency:

"Snow on Christmas is a rare occurrence. The last time snow was seen on Christmas in the Atlanta area was in 1993, when there was a trace.

The last measurable snow was back almost 130 years ago, when nearly a third of an inch lay on the ground."

So, the last time snow was on the ground in Atlanta on Christmas day, Rutherford B. Hayes was President of the United States. I didn't vote for him.

In any event, everyone here is dreaming of a White Christmas. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and Madison is upstairs dreaming of sugar plums. It has been a special, wonderful day - but tomorrow holds many joyous surprises to be unwrapped like the presents left beneath our tree. Merry Christmas!