Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Day with the giving of gifts, and the miracle of make-believe

but I also love the days that lead up to it…most notably Christmas Eve.

The gifts sit unopened under the tree, they’re wrapped and the bows are all tied.

Christmas Eve is the last night to dream about the presents concealed inside.

I love the anticipation, you feel it as you walk down the street

You see it in the smiles of children and faces of the people you meet.

I guess I shouldn’t be astonished by feeling this way anymore

because I carry with me a history of enjoying the night before.

I remember the night before my first date, I was filled with excitement and awe

I remember that night as affectionately as I remember the movie we saw.

I remember the night before my driver’s test…It’s one I can’t easily dismiss

I remember the night before my first dance and the night before my first kiss.

I remember the night before I was married, my face was in a perpetual grin.

wondering what the future held and waiting for that future to begin.

I remember the nights before my children were born as much as the days of their births.

I imagine if you looked you wouldn’t have found a happier person on Earth.

Yes, Christmas morning is special with the power to enchant and beguile

but Christmas Eve is another example of how it’s the journey that makes life worthwhile.

So as much as I enjoy Christmas Day there are many more reasons I believe

to wish all of you who are reading this a joyous and grand Christmas Eve.