Christmas Eve is a whole other ball game. The shopping trips are finished. The gift wrapping  and assembly of those items which Santa will leave under the tree are only those last minute items which are still to be taken care of once the children have retired for the night, perhaps to lie awake a while as the excitement of what is to come does make falling asleep a little more difficult than usual. But that is a part of the fun of Christmas Eve. It's when you get to feel that wonderful childlike pleasure thinking of the joy you will bring to the children when they awaken and rush to see the surprises awaiting them under the tree. You may even experiment a bit with those treasures before placing them under the tree, just to be certain they work as they should of course. Its childlike fun for adults time.

But the very best part of Christmas Eve is being together, surrounded by your children, Christmas tree lit, listening to the old Christmas Carols, watching Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, or another much loved old holiday film, nibbling on the cookies just out of the oven, reminiscing about Christmas' past, remembering those no longer with us, and realizing how very fortunate we are to have one another. Hopefully taking a few minutes to think of those less fortunate and maybe even discussing among you how you have done your best this year to help make sure those less fortunate will have a Christmas to celebrate as well.  Hopefully your children will have participated in that effort as well. No better lesson will ever be received from you by your children. It is a lesson they will always remember and  which they will make a part of their Christmas traditions when they have children themselves. It is what Christmas is really all about if you come right down to it. 

Yes, there were parties to which you were invited but no party anywhere would ever be as heartwarming as being together at home on Christmas Eve. Once you have children that is the very best part of the season in my opinion. It's your time to enjoy their excitement, share in the fun with them of putting out snacks for Santa and his reindeer, hanging stockings, and appreciating being together on this very special evening. And whatever you do, don't let on you see them hiding their treasures under the tree which they have taken such care to conceal until this evening. They take such pride in knowing they did this all on their own, whether the gifts were made by themselves or selected so carefully on their shopping expeditions when they were given time to shop without Mommy or Daddy right by their side. 

When you think back to these days, once your children have left the nest, among your most treasured memories will be the Christmas Eve's you chose to make home the only place you wanted to be, I promise you. The days ahead will find you wishing time had stood still even for just a little while longer.

Christmas day is a special day, but Christmas Eve with your family when love fills your home is perhaps the most precious gift you will ever give or receive.

 If you question or doubt what I am saying, ask a soldier serving in a foreign land wishing with every fibre of their being that they could be with their wives, or husbands as the case may be, and their children on this most special evening. They would most assuredly be able to tell you how very fortunate you are. Think of them as you tuck your children safely into their warm cozy beds and hear their sweet, childlike goodnight prayers. Please say a prayer yourself for those so far from home and loved ones, and in harm's way. Pray that they come home safe, and well, and soon.