The stockings are hung by the chimney with care

Two days left until Christmas, and the moments are ticking away...a little too slowly for my youngest, but, for me these last few hours and minutes that lead up to Christmas morning are amongs my favorite moments of the whole holiday scene. I like to savor the anticipation and experience the thrill of knowing that there are some closets that are forbidden and wonder what is hidden inside the colorful presents under the sparkling tree. These moments are set a a part from our normal routine. People pair up to go shopping together and come home in happy festive moods.The piano that goes untouched all year long gets dusted off and played and we actually sing the entire 12 days of Christmas on the way to the grocery store. Candles are lit in the kitchen and people hang around and tell stories as the marathon baking commences...the turkey is dressed, pies are made and Christmas eve quisches are whipped up. The house is full of noise and excited voices as Christmas carols are cranked up on the stereo. In these last few days before Christmas we watch movies like "White Christmas" and "A Christmas Carol". Our holiday couldn't possibly be complete with out Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye or Alistair Sim! Two days left to consume chocolate santas, red and green m&ms and sugar cookies in the shape of trees, bells and snowmen. And two days left for getting my youngest to behave simply by calling out "Santa Claus is watching!"