This is the second year that I will be having Christmas proper at my home for the family. This creates an extrodinary amount of work to get ready (all of which will not get done, and much of which will not get done to the satisfaction of my ultra-clean freak mother). So far I have purchased all presents and wrapped most of them (just waiting on a few more to come in the mail). I have baked four kinds of cookies (to supplement the four kinds mom is bringing with her), baked the Christmas morning chocolate chip banana bread and had the kidlet make candied pretzel wreaths. Last night I drafted the Christmas Eve menu (tapas) and I think the Christmas Day one is fairly set at this point (with pie crusts, homemade applesauce and the ham purchase assigned to my mother). I am paying the kidlet a decent amount of money to do the things that only get done when mom comes to visit (wipe out insides of kitchen cabinets, dust baseboards, clean fridge) and she's doing it like a champ. Merry Maids comes Thursday to clean for the holiday weekend (too early, but that's the day they come). The house is as decorated as it will get and most things are almost done for visitor purposes (soap in guest bathroom, clean towels in there too, beds made fresh, etc.).

I think I'm in really good shape for the holiday. For those that know me, my family is the most important thing in my life and I'm always happy to see them. My folks and sister will arrive Christmas Eve and stay until the day after Christmas and I know it will all go buy quickly. I just have to do a grocery shop Thursday or Friday I think for stuff for the weekend and hit Friar Tucks for a beer and wine selection.

Here's to the holidays. I'm really looking forward to this one being the last in this climate!