Surprise, Surprise

I can't help but say that word in my head a Gomer Pyle voice. Kinda dulls the shininess of it a bit...

Ah yes, it's Christmastime again—time for giving and receiving surprises of all sorts. There's nothing like the moment someone opens a gift from you and you get to watch their face shift from anticipation to elation to appreciation. It's one of my favorite things about the holidays. As a recipient I think the "looking forward to" part is the most exciting. I love shaking and sizing up boxes and bags, wondering what delightful items lurk inside for me.

But I realized recently that the random surprises are even more thrilling. Sure the birthday and Christmas and Valentine's Day treats are great, but you expect that something will be happening—that you'll be getting a gift or going somewhere special.

However, when someone catches you off guard and plans a surprise for a random Sunday in January, the anticipation is even sweeter—and the appreciation is too. Unexpected surprises are the surprisiest surprises of all...