Presents, Surprises, CHRISTMAS!

The tiny gold chain with a tiny pearl circled in gold looked almost invisible in the box I bought it in as a gift for my wife. Yet, when my wife emerged from the bedroom wearing her Christmas present along with a glorious smile, chain and pearl looked utterly perfect.

On the 24th, earlier, we took the three kids to Knott's Berry farm, for their amusements, rides, Disneyland competition, and took a ton of pictures  even ended up with a polaroid of us underground in a mine traversing rapids in a log boat, for which they charged us plenty. But the shot is precious as we're all lined up in the boat looking oh so pleased with ourselves risking life and limb in an underground gold mine.

Today our 5 year old rode his bike excellently, but we had less luck with the 3 1/2 year old on his bike which we'd assembled from a kit that came in a long box. It was hell to assemble; we'd weakened when we bought it because at the time our waggon was so crammed full of presents, including the middle boy's bike fully assembled, that the slim, long, boxed bike parts was irresistible. The whole bike might work if I tip the seat a bit more backwards so the peddles are more in front of him to push on.  Or, we could pretty much give up for a few months and force feed him.

What my oldest son sees in having an iPod with video beats me. But upon opening the present, and he found it had video, I feared he'd have a heart attack brought on by bold prayers answered. I don't get it. He'll no doubt elucidate me.

Other presents included truffles, ham, money, surprise greeting cards, and endearments long hungered for. Christmas can be the season for what's longed for and finally delivered; Or, for stretching our miserliness even as far as loving everyone even if only for a day. Enough Christmassess, and therefore enough practice, one just might become fully human. I can dream can't I?

Love to all,

Barry