Today’s my favorite day of the year.

Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas. It’s full of anticipation, the presents are still wrapped, and you haven’t yet gorged on the five meals you’re about to eat in 12 hours.

It’s awesome.

Most people prefer Dec. 25, the day when you can actually sit around your living room and rip open boxes filled with everything on your wish list — and some that weren’t — and eat everything you’ve been smelling the entire morning.

But to me, that’s when Christmas is over. It only takes about five minutes and — poof! — the day is done, and you have to wait a full 365 more days until it’s back again.

I love Christmas Eve because it’s not quite over yet.

This is the day when I finish up the gift-wrapping and baking, when we’re still listening to Christmas music, when I deliver presents and have dinner with my family. It’s the best day of the year.

It reminds me about what Christmas is all about — presence, not presents. It’s about spending time with the people you love; about doing nice things for others; about giving, not getting.

I’m just happy Derek is home, my family is healthy, my dogs aren’t crazy — and I’m not working tomorrow.

Happy Holidays, everyone!