Ah, Crap! It's Here....

 Merry Christmas, and all that other sappy seasonal greeting crap. Now that that is out of the way, I can get back to the boring content.

Every Christmas I think back to the years when the kids were little. how the Wife would be up until 2am most Eves, wrapping presents, and dealing with my griping because I was tired and wanted to go to bed. Then the waking up at 7am, or earlier some years, to bring the presents out to the tree (had pets, who liked to rip into things, so kept them put up til morning of). Then there was the token "WAKE UP"? call through the house, and the mugs of hot cocoa (not me, I had coffee) made for everyone before settling down to do our family time of opening gifts. Those were good memories. But now, I really prefer being able to sleep in, somewhat. I woke a bit before 6am this morning, and napped til about 8. Then decided it wasn't worth laying in bed anymore, and got up. With only the youngest in the house, there won't be a family Christmas morning, and those days may be gone now.

We are moving our Family Christmas to the Sons' apartment this year, and to the early afternoon, to allow time for the Daughter and family to arrive from out of town. Our house is just too cluttered still from moving stuff out of the old home, and still not having much time to go through and "get rid of" stuff hoarded here before us. What is nice, though, is the old house is now ready to be sold. In fact, we had one company over yesterday to do a basic walk-thru, and received an offer. Another is scheduled for Monday, and both companies are aware that we are entertaining another offer. Then I will contact my Sis, and give them a last chance to counter (which, I am not sure they will be able to do so) then move forward with the best offer. It'll be nice to get that money-pit out of our lives. It will also be nice to have the money so I can finally get a new vehicle.

The Wife has a couple things to finish up this morning, mainly labeling the gifts (she wrapped/tagged/bagged per person last night). Then she will move on to a new tradition we started last year - the Stocking Ball. The one with toys/candy/etc wrapped up in a huge saranwrap ball shape, that they take turns with oven mitts on to open, while next person rolls for doubles. The kids all enjoyed it last year, and so we will do it again. Cheaper/easier than individual stockings! Then we will load up the van and head to the Sons'.

Anyways, hope y'all are enjoying the day!

PeacE