It's Christmas Eve!

It's hard to believe, but Christmas Eve is already here. Chelsea and I both had to work this morning, and I ended up making a last minute trek to Wal-Mart for a couple of things. In the process of walking around the store, I learned a couple of very important lessons: 1. If I haven't gotten it by Christmas Eve, it can wait until next year. 2. I should never go shopping on an empty stomach. Actually, I should never do anything on an empty stomach, since I turn into a shorter, skinnier version of the Hulk. I honestly think I could flip a car over if I got angry enough. Thankfully, I made it home without any Chris SMASHING, since that would have ruined everyone's holiday.

The tree has been trimmed and the presents are wrapped. They're just sitting there waiting for the moment when we free them from their decorated paper prisons. I rather like how the tree came out this year, I feel like it's one of the best ones yet. Growing up, all we had were artificial trees, and as much as I miss the convenience, there really is no competing with a real tree. Well, except for falling needles and dripping sap. Fake trees have them beat there. Still, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the smell of fresh pine throughout the house.

Chelsea also set up what I like to call our guest tree, for all the gifts that go to everyone else. The past two years it's been made up to look like a snowman. Next year, I want to make a yeti tree. What can I say, I want a little Halloween in my Cringle.

The stockings are hung, though I'm not sure if it was done with care. This is the first year I haven't heard them come crashing down on top of the gas stove. I used to neglect the stockings, but over the years, some of my favorite gifts have come from them. Plus, they're usually filled with candy, the perfect Christmas morning breakfast.

So now we're just sitting here waiting for Chelsea's parents, my future in-laws, to arrive. In the meantime, there's holiday sangria in the fridge, a cake baking in the oven,cookies in the jars, and Christmas specials on the TV.

You couldn't ask for a much better Christmas Eve.