Yup, I'm wide awake. Being that I have a few rugrats of my own that still believe in the fat guy with the red suit (no, not Bob the alcoholic down at the gas station!), I have to make sure they're all tucked in and the illusion is continued so that when they wake up and see what Santa brought them, they'll be happy.
I discovered that as I grew older and became a parent, it wasn't so important as to what I got at Christmas - what matter was being with family, and seeing everyone happy and not griping at eachother. To see a little kid's face light up on Christmas day, like he just won the "you've been a good kid" lottery, is worth so much. To know you made someone else happy - truly happy - is something worth so much more than the gift itself.
I also realize that around where I live there are a lot of unfortunate families that can't afford to each a meal, or get decent clothes. Most are trying to get work, but that's rough all over. I make it a point to volunteer my time each month to the local homeless shelter so I can help others who have stumbled - and really could use some holiday spririt.
Maybe you won't get everything you want - but someone near you isn't getting anything at all tonight. Be thankful for what you have - and if you want to be more thankful, pass what you have to someone who doesn't have much at all.
Happy Christmas!
