This was the first Christmas Eve where I didn't stay up until the kids came in (they spend the evening with their dad and the next morning we open gifts at my house). My daughter and I cooked all afternoon to send food to their dad (Puerto Rican empanadillas and a pan of arroz con gondules, both things his mother used to make. She died late last year.) I heard them come in, but we've reached a point where as college students they aren't surprised by full stockings and Santa gifts on the hearth. I did find my 19-year-old's stocking on his bed the next day, so I guess he was looking for his traditional Lego set to build. Alas, I didn't find one that would work for the stocking this year. I hope the child wasn't too disappointed.

I'll be here alone on New Years, probably enjoying an old movie and sewing or something similar that I enjoy doing when I have a little time and space to spread out. Of all of the holidays, I think Thanksgiving would be the hardest one to be alone on.

SRS