One year ago today, Julie and I moved in together. At this time last year, we were both exhausted, in a house full of unplaced furniture and close to one hundred boxes – and unsure as to where we would be one year from now. And today – one year from now – we are fully settled in our home, we are both successful in our jobs, Beavis runs the roost – and I could not be happier…

…so Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Truth be told, I took the biggest risk of my life moving to New Jersey before even starting this job – and worse – moving Julie up here in case this job didn’t work out. But thanks be to God – this has been the best year of our lives – and everything worked out perfectly. One year and one day ago, I had no idea what would become of me on December 23, 2008 – but here I am – and life is sweet.

I have to admit that for many years in my recent past – my Christmases were anything but merry. For years, I have wanted to immerse myself in cryogenic fluid and wake up on the 26th of December – missing Christmas completely, with proof, as evidenced by the column titled, The Christmas Carols Sound Like Blues, But The Choir Is Not To Blame written on December 22, 2004 – I had as much Christmas spirit as the people at Chrysler who lost their jobs today. But thanks to, as the column I wrote called, New Year, New Age, New Job, New Home, New Life – New Jersey written on February 18, 2008 – this is going to be one very Merry Christmas.

Speaking of what happened to Chrysler, please take a moment this holiday season to pray for all of those who have received a future of suffering as their gift. From those who lost their jobs to this horrible economy, to those who have had their retirement stolen by soulless thieves – and to those who have lost loved ones through natural tragedy, heartless killers – and incurable diseases.

Tonight, Julie and I went to the mall to finish her Christmas shopping – and to begin mine. I have to admit that for the first time in years – I actually enjoyed watching the shoppers rush home with their treasures. I did stop by Santa’s Workshop – and admitted out loud that he looked good – and I eagerly anticipate enjoying the holiday this year – and finally beginning my Christmas rehabilitation.

While I credit much of my intervention against my addiction to “Scroogeism” – I give most of the credit for my recovery to Julie. She has truly shown me the true spirit of Christmas. Perhaps the fact that we did not have a Christmas last year with no presents and decorations, but rather with boxes to unpack and furniture to arrange – proves that some Christmases do not come in what awaits Christmas morning…

…but what lies ahead.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve to all of you and your families – and to mine.