Merry Christmas, to all those who celebrate Christmas. Happy Holidays to those who celebrate other holidays. A simple 'wishing you well' to those who celebrate every day as a gift.

We've got the whole famn damily here at the homestead. Parents, two brothers, a sister and her husband, grandma and some family friends. And dogs. Lots and lots of dogs. Poor Daisy is feeling a little put out by the other four-footed guests, each of which outweighs her by quite a bit. But as long as we make everyone (humans included) feel loved, then everything is ok.

For the first time in my 28 years, we're celebrating on Christmas Eve. It feels strange. I'm kinda wondering what in the world we're going to do tomorrow morning with all the gifts already opened. I'm sure we'll get through it ok, but, like I said, it's strange to change any tradition that's lasted this long (52 years for my mom). I just hope that my brother's trip, the reason behind this upheaval, is safe and he makes it back ok for dinner tomorrow night.

Here's wishing everyone a very merry Christmas, from my family to yours.