It's Christmas Eve, and all across the country, and in many places around the world,

there is a feeling in the air that can only come on Christmas Eve, of excitement, anticipation,

tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, and grown adults remembering what that felt like,

and maybe even feeling it themselves, even if it's just a little bit and only for a little while.

The world somehow feels like it's both bustling and coming to rest.

Kitchen windows are steaming up as food prep happens and batches of cookies come out of the oven.

Families are laughing and reminiscing and playing games.

And yet, the streets are a bit quieter,

everyone's in a bit of a calm or friendlier mood.

We're enjoying the company of loved ones

and thinking of those we can't be with.

We're creating new memories

and adding a new chapter to the story of our Christmases and ourselves.

In some houses, this is the main event,

the largest gathering of extended family and friends and neighbors.

Maybe some gifts are exchanged and opened.

For many, tomorrow is more intimate.

Either way, there's a feeling that all the joy and magic of the season is building up to its grand finale,

and that it's with us just a few moments longer, today and tomorrow. No matter how you

celebrate, or where you celebrate, or who you call family, I hope that you're feeling the

Christmas spirit right about now. And I, as well as several members of the Christmas past family,

are here to deliver just a little bit more. So pop a candy cane into that mug of cocoa,

...