Perspective

It's four days before Christmas, and I'm in a mild panic.  Will there be enough under the tree?  Will Nooze be upset?  Will she feel neglected?  Chachi tells me to calm down; this panic is unwarranted.  Nooze will be thrilled with the gifts we've purchased, even though we kind of went overboard.

Overboard? I mutter.  Have you looked at the tiny pile under the tree?  Her stocking isn't even half full!


You're being silly, Chachi says.  Look at that crazy stocking.  Your Mum made it over sized on purpose.  It's HUGE.


I glance at it, and silently nod.  It IS kind of big, I agree.  I relax just a little bit.

Later that night, Nooze returns home from her Wednesday night church activity.

She smiles tentatively, and meekly asks if we're going to church on Christmas morning.  We'd planned on it, why? Chachi asks.

She smiles quietly, then calmly says, "Good.  I was thinking...Church starts at ten, right?"  We nod, waiting.  "Okay", she continues. "I was thinking that we could get up, go to church, come home, make some hot cocoa, then open our presents and relax.  Does that work? Is that okay?"

Chachi and I both nod.  Yes, that will be just fine, we say in unison.  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Chachi grin.  I shake my head.

I know, I know, I whisper.  There's no need for me to panic.  No need at all...