So next week is Christmas. How did that happen? I have no clue where the time went, but now I’m caught up in the holiday whirl. The tree is up . . . OK, it’s a small tree. Very small. But it’s up and has been for a while.

Shopping seems endless—I got a late start this year. I love finding presents for people, but it’s tough to get too excited when fighting the crowds.

Tomorrow is the office Christmas party for my department. I’m looking forward to a nice, long lunch away from work. The whirl continues.

Next week, though, I look forward to getting off the whirl and just savoring quiet time with my loved ones.