Internet, you have to forgive me a little, I’m really not a scrooge, I just have some humbugian tendencies.

I love Christmas for what, at the best of times, is the pure serenity of it.  I dislike the pressures and obligations that distract you from it, and leaves you with little time to enjoy it.

This morning Bell had to open the shop an hour earlier than usual in order to accommodate the crazy throngs of people shopping, which meant the alarm went off at 5 AM, an early start to a day that’ll go well past the midnight service we’re planning on attending tonight.

Unexpectedly, in the sleepy haze of pressure and obligation, the pure serenity moment found me.

Those early moments on the couch together, the sweetest and most profound in a long time, we quietly held cups of coffee and a sleeping baby, our heads resting against each other.

This is my Christmas 2011.  This feeling of perfect love swirling around us, both for my precious baby and my precious lady, and this priceless moment to share it, is the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten, and one that’ll stay with me for years to come.

Internet, I wish you the same joy, in whichever way you can find it.