This Christmas was certainly filled with highlights.  The girls really loved their Hello Kitty rolling luggage from Lolo and Lola, the snow shoes they received from Tito and Tita, the plush My Little Ponies that don't leave their sides (thanks Josh and Jen) and the whoopee cushion (aka "Tooter aka "Whoo-she Cushion") that somehow found it's way into their stockings.  Ay, Santa.  Our neighbors may be able to attest to the girl's love of their new karaoke (Mimi).  Yes, it can be heard from the street.  Who knew that they both would feel the need to warm up their vocal cords before 8 a.m.?  Daily.  The new library tote bags and sensible boots from Mom and Dad understandably received a lukewarm reception.  The promise of new magazines and membership to a book club from Uncle Jim and Aunt Judy were heartily endorsed.  Mail with their names on it?  Better yet, fun reading material?  Yes, Please!  It was also a tremendous Christmas Eve.  The girls, along with a few neighborhood families had a visit from Santa himself before he had to hop on his sleigh and begin deliveries.  Parents red-cheeked from the Manhattans and kids giddy with anticipation, it was a perfect lead up to the big day.   However, I think the pinnacle of the Christmas celebration was when the Glow Pets were opened.  Ella actually wept with happiness, Vivian of course followed suit.  I can only liken the scene to the height of Beatle-mania.  I know it made Jerry so very happy that he trekked to eight different stores late one night last week in search of these rainbow, plush, light-up unicorn pillows.  Oh, how I cringe just typing that.  Earlier in the holiday shopping season, Mean Mommy actually walked by a display full of these hideous creatures, knowingly letting my children's dreams die in exchange for preserving just a wee bit of aesthetics in an already lost battle of home design.  Lesson learned.  Point, Jerry.  I realize that we may only have a few more Christmases left before the girls realize who is behind the stockings, wrappings and half eaten cookies left for Santa.  Promise to embrace whatever is their little heart's desires next year.  Pink, purple, gaudy, glitter and all.