Olaf, the naughty elf, has been hard at work in Maria’s room. He locked the door and for days we have heard furniture getting moved around, loud Christmas music and all sorts of giggles and cackling. In a little while, I am going to Tallahassee to pick up my girl to bring her home for Christmas—the first time in two years that she will actually get to sleep over with us for Christmas. If past performance is the best predictor of future performance, Olaf will run the girl ragged—she might wake up w peanut butter in her hair and there will be all kinds of other mischief.

Don’t get me wrong. I would give my life for Maria to have a different set of circumstances. But the ability, year after year, to join  her in the wonder and playfulness of this season? Still fills me with awe…