Not where I should be

On Christmas Eve I always go to midnight mass at my local church. We sit with the pretty tree, the fire on until 11:30 and then go to the most beautiful service of the year.

We sing carols by candlelight and walk home hand in hand in the crisp cold air.  I think about the excited children snuggled asleep, about the year past, the year to come.  We sit again by the beautiful tree and have a glass of brandy before going to bed.  Knowing that the next day will be a whirlwind of fun, excitement (and hard work!).  This is the calm before the storm.

But this year won't be like this.  We will be doing something very very different and it feels very strange, I hope I can hang onto what Christmas is really about and be content.