Fast Forward Please

The holidays are coming and I'm dreading them.  I mean every single activity between now and 2012.  This hasn't been a particularly happy year with Marlene and Dad both passing. 
Marlene's birthday was December 16, which means we'll all be thinking about my brother, her children and her extended family on that date.  She LOVED Christmas and knowing that she won't be here makes it even harder.
Dad always cooked a Fillet Mignon roast with carrots and potatoes on Christmas.  There was a side of smoked sausage, some green beans, a salad and rolls to round out the meal.  This year we're talking about who will make the roast, as if having the same meal makes it the same celebration.  I realize there's a lot to be said for continuing traditions, so we'll make the effort.
If I could tell the truth, though, I'd like to fast forward to 2012. I want to skip all of it and start over on a cold, crisp January day. The kind of day when all good things are possible and everyone feels optimistic.
We're a long way from that now.  We'll do a lot of Christmas stuff like Breakfast with Santa and carolling with the Brownies.  We'll smile for the photos and make sure the girls have a Christmas to remember.  They are filled with wonder and awe.  The magic of Santa still looms large, and who knows how much longer that will last.  No matter how I feel, they still deserve a wonderful Christmas.