Christmas Eve

Pat and I have been married for 3 1/2 years and this is our first Christmas by ourselves. Since we have been married we have spent Christmas at my sister Jodi's house in Utah. We were sad that we were not going to be able to make it back there, but were also excited to spend Christmas in the city by ourselves—it's bitter-sweet.

So, today was a good day. It started out with us sleeping and and taking the morning slow (my favorite mornings). Eventually we made our way out in the city with no particular destination. It was so fun because the city was so quiet.

After walking around the Chelsea Market, we stumbled upon a pizza restaurant, Artichoke, that we have heard a lot about. When we walked in we thought it was closed because we were the only ones there—this NEVER happens in the city.

We were not disappointed with their Artichoke pizza. It was like spinach and artichoke dip on a pizza, but better.

After enjoying a quiet and yummy lunch we strolled along the desolate streets of the West Village and SoHo sipping Starbucks' holiday hot chocolates—the peppermint hot chocolate is my favorite. As we walked the streets together, hand-in-hand, on Christmas Eve, I was overcome with pure joy. I made a mental note to always remember that moment, the feeling of total happiness, and being overcome with my love for Pat.

It was also so refreshing to be reminded of the

true meaning of Christmas when we saw a Nativity scene.

Now, Pat and I are enjoying a low key evening watching "The Christmas Story" and "Miracle on 34th Street," while I constantly bug Pat to let us open just one present.

I know this will be a Christmas that we will always look fondly upon as I sit beside our
little tree we bought for $15, decorated with Pat's homemade subway card ornaments.


It, indeed, is a wonderful life.