This morning I got up and fed the kids. I knew my wife had been up late wrapping gifts so I was prepared to take care of the kids and clean up by myself. I managed to stay in good spirits until mid-afternoon. At some point my wife confronted me about my feelings and I realized that I must deal with feelings that accumulate despite whatever spiritual fitness and preparation that I might have. I tried to communicate to her that it was not her fault, but now that I think about it I must talk to her again.

I was deeply moved by the story of the Christmas truce that I saw today. I saw how powerful God truly is in that he could stop a war and change men's hearts. We also watched several children's programs. Each of them was about how people get caught up in the ideal Christmas experience and lose sight of the real meaning and helping others. Later I found myself judging my wife in this regard.

My wife took 2 of our kid's to mass and I stayed home with the others and watched the midnight mass on TV.

I played washers in the yard with a neighborhood boy and my son and we threw baseballs for a while. Later I went and collected fire wood for a fire.

Tonight we watched It's a wonderful life and I related to it in a way that I hadn't ever been able to before. I epecially noted that the final outcome was that the man had a conversion through a trial, a spiritual experience, and the grace of God.

At the end of this day I am grateful for the gift of the Son and for forgiveness and redemption and for eternal life. I am also grateful for a second chance at this life and for my wife and family. It truly is a wonderful life.