The End of Turkey Day

Wow! What a day. I guess the Christmas season really is here. Don't misunderstand me... I am completely and utterly excited about Christmas but it seems this year it just slipped up on me. Maybe because I've been so busy with all the administrative responsibilities of my job these past few months, I've just kind of lost sight of the big picture. Or maybe its because I've been dealing with my back for so many weeks now. Regardless, its here and I am ready to go.

Today really did kick me into gear. And I needed it. The alarm went off early this morning because I wanted to get a work-out in. I took my ibuprofen, did 30 minutes of ab work, went for a short run, and then did some weights. I was dripping with sweat when I was done but still craving a cup of coffee. I poured a cup of Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend and grabbed a couple of the newspapers to read while I cooled off.

By the time I got out of the shower, Mrs. Claus was up and busy preparing the Thanksgiving meal. She had my breakfast waiting for me... what a darling! I quickly ate breakfast and then rushed off to meet Jingle at the HQ to review the schedule for the day and the rest of the week (btw... its gonna be crazy! Do you know how many mall appearances, parades, and tree lighting ceremonies there are in North America this next weekend? Then we have to put up all the decorations here at the North Pole on Tuesday. And the following weekend is when all the festivities really launch in Europe... markets, tree lightings, etc.) The good news is that everything is looking great for this year's Christmas Eve operation. All our supplies are lined up, factories are ready to roll, government relations are strong, long-range weather forecasts are favorable, the reindeer are in tip-top shape, and the sleigh has been enhanced yet again to carry a bigger payload, more efficiently. Its as strong as its ever been going into the system.

After the meeting, Jingle and I walked back to the house together. We arrived just in time for the big Thanksgiving day meal. As is the case every year, Mrs. Claus out-did herself. And as is the case every year, I ate way too much. I was feeling quite sluggish as I pulled myself away from the dining table and headed to the flight operations center. There was no time to take a nap... I had to fly down to New York for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And from there it was off to the NFL game between the Saints & Cowboys. What a game! Unfortunately my team lost but it was very entertaining.

Mrs. Claus and I hosted some friends for coffee & dessert so I had to get back quickly after the game. We had a great time visiting but by the time they left, I was exhausted. I think I'm getting lazy in my old age! I kicked back in the recliner to just catch my breath for a minute and the next thing I knew, Mrs. Claus was waking me. I told her to just let me sleep and I'd come to bed later but she reminded me I promised to post tonight. So I poured my last cup of Thanksgiving Blend coffee for this year (tomorrow I break out the Starbucks Christmas Blend! I can't wait... its my favorite!) and made my way into the office, where I am now, to write this post. It's been a very good day... spending it with friends and family, celebrating the Holiday season in New York, and attending a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Dallas. With all that... and now snow falling outside my window and the fireplace in my office roaring & crackling behind me as I type... I'm definitely in the Christmas Spirit. That's a very good thing because the Christmas season is NOW. Merry Christmas, Everyone!