It's early Tuesday morning and I'm sitting at my desk wearing my hat that makes me look like I belong in Whoville with all the other Who folk. I am not a big fan of hats but I make an exception for this one. It never fails to elicit a smile from someone.

The Christmas plans are right on schedule. Sunday I baked three kinds of cookies (even a batch I found as a result of blog reading which turned out to be absolutely delicious). Last night Elanor and I made two more. I manned the pizelle iron and she made some molasses cookies. Tonight we traditionally make the sugar cookies. It is always a contest to see who can come up with the most bizarre cookie. Thus, we have ninja reindeer, snowmen who have been shot through the heart with arrows, and animals with two heads or three legs. Thankfully, there are enough bells and trees to put out on the cookie tray. The presents are all wrapped. Pk and I did it all last night in one marathon session.

Tomorrow I will make the chocolate torte (the one that will stop Christmas from happening at all if it doesn't make an appearance), the babka that we only eat Easter and Christmas and Kate will use the leftover egg whites and make some macaroons. We'll have some pizza and wings and decorate the tree. Emily and Jim are coming to spend the night and we will all be together for a while.

So, Merry Christmas to all of you. No matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate, I hope your holiday is filled with joy and wonder and love.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day,

their old familiar carols played

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men.

I am looking at at 5 day weekend and intend to enjoy every bit of it. I'll see you soon.