Wham! Bam! Thank you, Ma'am!

I bought the first gifts for this Christmas on December 29, 2005. I have searched for the perfect gifts all year, found clever hiding places (so clever that I actually couldn't find 2 presents), hand-picked specialty items for each of my three children, listed each item, color-coded my list (Yes, I can be quite obsessive- compulsive at times.), and checked the list many times to make sure the lists were as equal as possible monetarily, in number, and in looks. I have worked for 12 months for this day, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! In 1 hour and 10 minutes all presents have been opened! Twelve MONTHS of secretive plotting, planning and hiding - and 70 MINUTES to unwrap all the surprises. Was it worth it! Absolutely! There is nothing like the excited faces of children as they discover what Santa brought and as they open their gifts! As I am typing now, I can hear the children playing, talking, and laughing and still discovering things amid the colorful wrapping paper, tissue paper and empty boxes. They are having a blast! What a whirlwind! I wouldn't trade this morning for anything in this world!