Christmas Eve

Ever since I can remember, the excitement of Christmas was always focused on Christmas Eve. The anticipation builds and builds to the point it is impossible to sleep because I didn't want to sleep -- I just wanted morning to get here!

When I was growing up, the whole family was always together on Christmas Eve. Part of the fun was the program we'd do for our parents. The other part, of course, was opening presents -- mainly from the people who drew our names, but sometimes special gifts. Money was tight back then so there weren't a lot of extra gifts. As the babies, my twin sister and I would quite often get some of those special gifts, though. I liked that!

We'd go to bed that night, hanging our stockings along the staircase, leaving enough space (usually a step above and below) for Santa to leave his presents wrapped in white tissue paper.

As an adult, our Christmas Eves are spent at the in-laws, with some gifts exchanged and always something for the spoiled grandkids. Carter likes that!

A couple of times when Carter was too young to know any better, Santa arrived while we were "out" for the evening and the boys opened presents when we got home Christmas Eve -- this was only if the big boys had to go to their mom's in the morning. For the past several years, though, we've come home from Jim's parents, hung the stockings around the living room furniture -- and tried to get Carter to sleep.

Tonight he was especially excited because we went on the NORAD Web site where they are tracking Santa's visits all Eve. He is getting close to Wisconsin so Carter knows he better fall asleep quick!

As is his tradition, he left some cookies and a glass of eggnog for Santa, plus a note. This year's note sounds somewhat similar to our family Christmas letter, but it puts all of us (but the cat) in a good light:

Dear Santa,
I've been a good boy this year. Sylvester got in a cat fight. Casey got his license. Dad got a golfing trip. Mom got a haircut. Clay is still working hard. And I have had a lot of exciting moments.
Sincerely,
Carter J. Austin
Ho! Ho! Ho!

Will Santa be won over? If so, will he get the job done right so he doesn't have to come back (like the Tooth Fairy)? Stay tuned...