The Eve of Christmas Eve

We've had the nicest evening.  In fact, when I think of what I enjoy most about the holidays it has to be evenings just like this, when we finally relax and know we've done everything possible to make this a wonderful holiday for each other and our family.  We had the tree lit up, the candles burning, warm slippers and fleece tops on, and we baked white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, Snicker-doodles, and sugar cookies for decorating.  We dipped mini-pretzels in melted white chocolate and made homemade coconut cream candies while keeping one eye on the Grinch on television.  Perfect night!

I've also had so much fun shopping for Ed this year - we usually forgo buying gifts for one another in favor of buying more for the kids/grandkids, but this year we made the decision that, since we're going to end up alone this Christmas morning, we're going to have fun.  I have two or three more things to pick up in the morning, and my daughter, son and grandson will be arriving around noon for a day of Shrimp Etoufee, Cajun potato salad with green onion dressing, crab cakes, carrot cake, and board games.  I am so looking forward to it!