Now that we have spent hours decorating our homes with significant symbols of the season,
Now that we have posted cards to Aunt Nell and Ichabod Franklin, (people you have never met and yet insist upon sending you a card each December, thus obliging you to send one in return,)
Now that we have gone over and over our shopping lists to be certain we haven't inadvertently left out anyone who might possibly bestow a gift upon us,
Now that we have spent hours deciding what potential gifts might be most suitable,
Now that we have tracked down the needed items and spent immeasurable energy trying to locate the best prices,
Now that we have spent more than we should,
Now that we have made absolutely certain that each child will receive exactly the same number of gifts of comparatively equal intrinsic value,
Now that we have wrapped everything in brightly colored paper,
Now that we have accumulated a wealth of food and sweet treats,
Now and only now we might find the time and energy to contemplate what it is all for and to have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!