The love we found we carry with us so we're never quite alone

Okay, I think I'm out of my funk. It finally occurred to me last night when Punky was done with his last final of the semester and was a happy man again-I've been trying to be happy for two! He's been an ornery bear for months, not all the time, but most of it.

How lovely to have him back!

Last night I watched the Muppet Christmas Carol while Nuschler curled up in a cute golden ball on the couch next to me. I traditionally watch this movie with my kid brother, but we don't seem to have time to fit it in with both of our mad Christmas schedules. Nusch has no Muppet appreciation. I may have to make boy wonder watch it with me on eve of eve.

After a few years of racing around for Christmas and only being alone with my husband in the car (not a great time/place to exchange gifts, enjoy each other's company), we started carving out time on eve for each other. And we watch White Christmas. It's tradition.

My mom and I spend a day each December making cookies and watching Christmas movies, usually If You Believe, a Lifetime movie that rocks. We also watch Home Alone and marvel at the bad parenting skills and ridiculous government service mishaps.

And, while I appreciate classics like A Christmas Story and the Grinch, I really love the Family Stone. Nothing shows the reality of Christmas like trying to fit in with a tight, slightly dysfunctional family.