"Say what?"

"Aren't I like almost 5 days too late?"

"Yo! Andrew! Are you chronologically challenged or what?"

Heh... No... I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas on the 29th of December because to me, everyday is Christmas! We were driving to our regular hangout - One Utama - for last minute shopping when Sara sighed.

"Papa... it's almost Christmas! I'm so excited! I can't wait to open my presents... but then you know what?"

"What?" I asked.

"After that, I'll be sad. I'll have to wait another year till Christmas again!" Sara said in her most serious voice... "Aren't you sad?"

I didn't even have to think before answering that question.

"No" I said.

"Why?" Sam and Sara chorused.

I told them, "You see... everyday is like Christmas for Papa as long as I can be with you and Mummy. Christmas carols don't sound as nice as your laughter. And everytime you say 'Papa I love you', it's like getting a Christmas present. And my bestest Christmas presents are kisses and hugs from you"

"Yah... but you're OLD already... we're still young. We wish everyday was Christmas." Sam said.

"Aren't you excited about getting presents?" asked Sara.

Well, for one thing, when your present for the last five years has been nicely wrapped underwear, it kind of gets predictable you know. Sam and Sara probably won't understand how I feel, but I'm sure you do.

Now that your presents are opened, the (artificial) Christmas tree packed, the Christmas CDs stored, think about it - when you have the people that you love with you, doesn't that make everyday like Christmas?

Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart, and when it does it doesn't just happen on the 25th of December.

So Merry Christmas everyone.