The Eve of the Eve

I guess tonight is Christmas Eve Eve...right?

I've been visiting some of my favorite blogs this evening; and many are asking, "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" my heart exclaims! I am SO VERY ready!

This has been such a wonderful Advent...and as it draws to a close, it was made all-the-sweeter by my husband, who actually "thanked" me for such a nice Advent yesterday. That was so sweet.

A while back, I told of how our family takes part in a traditions called "Kris Kringles" (which means "Christ Child")...we draw names...and we become that person's "secret helper" throughout Advent...giving them a small gift on Christmas Day to reveal our identity.

My heart was bowled-over with joy today, as my darling Joseph, age 9, told me that he has been Benjamin (age 4)'s "Kris Kringle" and when I asked what sorts of special and secret things he's been doing for his baby brother...he told me that he wrote a prayer and along with that, he has been offering a "Hail Mary" to God each night during Advent, for Ben.

To think of my nine year old son...tucked up "in secret" in his bed at night...praying for the boy in the bunk underneath his...

Well...let's just say that my Advent "was made complete" by hearing that beautiful story; and, once again, I am humbled by and learn from my children.

I can't wait for tomorrow...we will be baking cookies and making more peanut brittle to give as gifts.

We will be making our cranberry sauce and stuffing for the feast on Christmas Day.

My husband stocked up on juice for he knows that our sweet grand-daughter loves it and will be joining us, with her Mommy, Daddy, and baby brother on Christmas.

I love to put the presents under the tree at night...and in the wee hours of morning's darkness...I will light each votive candle that lines our mantle...and turn on the tree lights...and make a pot of coffee...and pray.

Then, I will be delighted to hear the first pitter-pats of the excited children coming down to REJOICE in the celebration of OUR SAVIOR'S BIRTH! Last year, that happened at 5:15 am:) I wouldn't mind if it were just a half hour later this year. (::snicker::)

We open just one gift in the morning...and then, get ready for Mass. Jacob has the honor and privilege of serving the Christmas Mass this Sunday...I am so happy for him. How wonderful to be SO CLOSE to our Lord in His Blessed Sacrament upon the altar on CHRISTMAS DAY.

Tonight...on the Eve of the Eve...

I am smiling and anticipating the joyous days to come.

I am thankful.

I am grateful.

I am full of JOY and WONDER.