Christmas is...

... Listening to the girls squealing with joy while they open each box of Chrismas decorations, finding new treasures and old memories.

... watching Erin dance and sway to Christmas carols, clapping her little hands and singing "ahhh...!"

... carefully unwrapping each piece of the nativity set, and hearing the girls' happy shrieks when they finally found baby Jesus.

... bundling the girls up into their warmest coats, mittens and hats, and taking an evening trip to see some Christmas lights nearby.

...cuddling up in front of the fireplace to watch "Rudolph" and "Frosty The Snowman", while sharing a big bowl of buttered popcorn.

...writing letters to Santa and dreaming of new toys for good little girls and boys.

...feeling a little bit anxious about the Chrismas cards that are still not ready from the photographer, and then realizing that it really isn't all that important anyway.

...pulling into our driveway after the trip to view the lights, and taking a minute to look at the lights on our own house... then saying to the car-load of girls, "it looks like this house is all ready for Christmas"...and hearing Amy respond, "It sure is. Because Jesus is in our manger".