We didn’t have Christmas this year — at least not so far as my parents are concerned, not in Illinois. (“Punishment” from my father against his children for taking his car away because he cannot drive safely.) But Deb & I spent a wonderful day yesterday with our niece & nephew from California; we exchanged presents with my sister and her family Tuesday night at their hotel; my sister has gotten the forgiveness she wanted from my father (my wife, who actually carried out the deed of seizing the car, is still on his fecal roster, but step at a time, step at a time…); my mother has occasionally (we’re pretty sure, based on her questions) recognized who we are. And this afternoon we go back home, where we’ll have our *real* Christmas with Deb’s family.

So I’m grateful that the trip to Illinois hasn’t been the clusterfrak it’s been in past years*, and grateful for the Family Christmas we have coming up.

*Crossing fingers. Still six hours until we leave for the airport.