Merry Christmas, sweet friend. Come here and let me give you a hug…

I’m a hugger! You’re just gonna have to put up with it.

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Ah… There we go. Merry ?? Christmas.

As I fell asleep last night (very, very late last night, so my under-eye circles are raging), I thought back to when I was a kid, and it was all about tearing into my presents and finding out what Santa brought me.

I remember a few times when my brother and I were still really little — before we were doing the stay-up-all-night thing, which we did later because my family celebrates on Christmas Eve — my mom tucking me into my bed, and then me listening for reindeer hooves on the roof, because I couldn’t wait for Santa to come.

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Those were the kinds of things that made Christmastime then — presents and Santa — but it’s so different now. I mean, yeah, I still love seeing someone’s face light up when they open up a gift, but now the things that make me the happiest on Christmas are the time with pals and family and just feeling whole. knowing that I can talk to the people who aren’t nearby and tell them that I love them, even though we aren’t physically in the same place, but I can still feel their spirit and their love. That fills me up and makes me feel like I’m tucked underneath the snuggliest blanket, safe and secure.

I know that everyone doesn’t have that feeling of whole-ness on Christmas, though, and if you don’t, please accept this token of virtual love from a stranger and her family. We may not be in the same room right now, but I just want you to know that part of that feeling of wholeness is you and I chatting here now.

Oh, my gosh, am I really getting teary right now…?

Wow, you know…we’ve been doing this for going on eleven years now, following each other’s exploits, challenges, changes and accomplishments, chatting about things on this blog. I feel like we’re part of the same tribe, and it’s better than eggnog and ginger snaps and candy canes combined. It’s the best thing to know you’re among people who care about you, and you will always have a pal in me and Tabs. and Connor, of course, although she was a later addition. and El Hub, even though he never says hi, but he’s also here.

Not just today, but every day, you’ve got a friend.

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Sending you so much love.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen