Christmas and Root Canals

I'm not sure which was more painful; the root canal I had done this month, or getting through the Christmas holiday.

Once Thanksgiving was over, I started thinking about the next holiday...Christmas. It was Jenny's all-time favorite holiday (Super Bowl Sunday and Halloween coming in a close 2nd and 3rd). She, Susan and Elizabeth go to all ends to make sure that everyone gets into the holiday spirit every year.

We have a dozen years worth of After-Christmas Sale decorations, lights and knick-knacks stored in the basement. Jenny had an extensive and complicated list of holiday card senders and receivers (that I hope I deciphered adequately, I sent 324 letters and know I missed some people, just not sure who they are yet). Mason and I have enough wrapping paper in the basement to wrap gifts until she's in high school (oops, just realized that's only 2 1/2 more years, maybe it'll last until she goes to college). Lucky for me, Jenny showed Mason where most of the stuff was and also luckily for me, Mason knew how and where to put it all. Oddly enough, we were unable to locate the brass reindeer stocking hangers AND Mason's embroidered stocking; we found mine, Jenny's and one for every pet we've ever had, but Mason's stocking is missing - it's a weird mystery.

I really appreciate Molly inviting us to her Hanukkah party last week. It was good for both Mason and me to get out of the house and see other people enjoying the holidays. I think it also helped us get ready for what was coming. It didn't hurt that the Matzo ball soup and latke were fantastic ;-)

The anticipation of Christmas Eve was filled with anxiety, sadness and emptiness. The actual event included all-of-the-above and we tossed in some laughter, excitement (the Denver Broncos won), cheer, some wild kids and an abundance of gifts.

As usual, Elizabeth threw a fantastic party. Both she and Bill were gracious hosts, serving a fantastic meal accompanied by delicious wine and desserts. Mason and I are fortunate that Jenny had longstanding friendships with Susan and Elizabeth and we're grateful that they continue to include us in many of their family affairs.

On Christmas Day, Jenny's parents came over and we opened presents, took pictures, cried silently, ate a nice meal together, talked about stuff and mostly watched Mason as she tested and tried-on all of her presents.

Back to the beginning...the holiday was much more painful, after the first needle in my mouth, the root canal was numb and painless...the Christmas holiday without Jenny has been excruciating and the pain won't seem to go away (no matter how many glasses of wine I drink).

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Mason and I are busy getting ready for Christmas. I really don't know how Jenny did it! The cleaning lady came just last week, can't tell today. The dining room table is covered with cards, letters, presents yet to be wrapped and all kinds of wrapping supplies.

Mason has done a great job stepping up and handling the wrapping chores. I'm not very skilled, while she's nearly a "Wrap" Master ;-)

I finally got our Holiday letter sent out. Normally, Jenny would have that done within a week of Thanksgiving, true to form, I got it done just after the mailing deadline. If I forgot someone, I apologize. I either don't have your address, or don't have it in one of three places. Jenny actually kept a book back to 1996 that has notes about everyone we ever sent a card to and everyone we got a card from - that was my master list. Of course, she did it all manually and I had to put all of the information into a database. If I tried to write them all by hand, everyone after letter number six would be returned to sender because my handwriting would deteriorate so much. I really appreciate the fact that Mason stayed on top of me and "encouraged" me to get the letters done and mailed. I'm also grateful for Thomas, Julia, Martha, Lena and Vicky for helping me fold and stuff envelopes in order to get them all done.

We'll be spending Christmas Eve with our friends the McNeills and the Elseys - it's a tradition that started way before I came into the picture, Mason and I are truly lucky to be included in their festivities.

Mason and I wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2007!

For all of you who are fans of Jack Bauer and 24 on FOX, click this link to see how Santa would handle a sticky situation the "24" way. http://www.fanpop.com/spots/christmas/links/13894