Pressing my fingerprint on my laptop’s upper-right button unlocks it. I was surprised it worked, considering my fingers still feel snake-like after crafting. But here I am, waiting for the six-inch sticks superglued into a star shape to dry. Once they’re ready, we’ll tether the star to our homemade branch tree. Fairy lights and mini ornaments will complete this addition to our Christmas decor.
Dave seems to think we’ll make a new one every year, so my worry about these tiny sticks not storing well is for nothing.
Christmas Eve used to mean a 35-minute drive to my parents’ house. Now, after the move, that drive has stretched to 40 hours. Like how I watched my aunt’s funeral from the comfort of my couch, I’ll virtually experience tonight’s festivities. Five or so blue presents, courtesy of Amazon gift wrapping, are ready to go, making things almost too easy.
What I’m most excited about, though, is my dad opening his gift. Since he’ll see this after Christmas, I can share the details: it’s a custom, hand-painted picture of the greens, waterways, and holes of his home golf course in Enumclaw. One night, while scrolling Etsy, I came across the artist’s work. Dave’s “That’d be perfect for your dad,” paired with my own instant agreement, made it an easy choice. He’s on that course two to three times a week, and it’s where he’s hit two hole-in-ones. I know he’ll love it.
On a different note, I’m on another long fast—24 hours in so far, sustained by water, black coffee, and green tea. With sleep ahead, I’ll wait until lunch tomorrow, which will put me at 36 hours. If you’re at all worried about me, here’s a link to set your mind at ease: A Beginner’s Guide to Fasting.
Our cross-country Christmas should be starting soon. Until it does, I’ll sit with Evelyn to watch the second half of our favorite version of The Grinch, the animated one from 2018.
Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. Take care.
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 