Christmas

Perfection.

We enjoyed a perfect Christmas this year and my soul is much healthier because of it.

I have been in a remarkable Christmas mood during the month of December. My heart has been wide open, flooding my senses with emotions over many different things for many different reasons. Alive. I have been feeling alive and in touch with life.

We did the Christmas lights thing with Amanda, Craig & Jackson, and it was spectacular. Went out for dinner afterwards and had fun.

I went to Christmas Eve mass with Craig and it was humbling, thought-provoking, and beautiful. Afterwards, Carol and I spent a chunk of Christmas Eve at Craig & Amanda's home. It was a blast, Jackson was still up.

Spent Christmas Day at Craig & Amanda's home, made even more special because Keith & Krista were there. We don't see enough of them because they live at least a million miles away. (That will change in 2026 - not the distance, but the frequency of visits - Carol and I are committed to being less lazy).

My brother Ed was there on Christmas Day. Always a treat because he is a very special person and I love and respect him. Unfortunately, Carolina could not make it because she is not feeling well. She is a fun and positive force; she was greatly missed.

Scott The Towlemeister even made an evening appearance. He and I had a great conversation in the kitchen.

So Christmas Day was me, Carol, Craig, Amanda, Jackson, Murray, Ed, Keith, Krista, and Scott. I defy you to come up with a more stunning lineup.

This Christmas was exactly what Christmas should be. 

The overflow of joy and happiness is keeping me buoyant even today. I am in such a good mood Carol does not even recognize me. 

She walked out of the bedroom this morning, saw a body in my recliner and immediately reached for the baseball bat she keeps tucked behind the bedroom door. She advanced towards me in a menacing manner until she suddenly stopped and said "Is that you Joe? Holy shit, you look so happy."

I love my family with all my heart. I love my extended family deeply as well. I would name them but I know I'll leave someone out.

I am deeply appreciative of the happiness Carol and I experienced during this Christmas season.

I have my family to thank for that.