view 17: the calm before

I met my friend for a coffee yesterday. "I love this time of year," she said.

"I know. I especially love RIGHT NOW -- you know, when there are just a few days left before Christmas, and most of the shopping and preparations are done, and things suddenly seem to get still and quiet with ... waiting. I mean, yes, there's some last minute stuff, but school's out, and the tree's up, everything's all decorated and there's just this sort of expectation in the air ..."

"Exactly. And I'm so glad Christmas in on Friday this year, too. It's like a whole week of anticipation."