Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003 | 10:56 AM

Last night I took my Mom out to dinner and then I took her and my sister Sarah to see Elf, which I enjoyed way more than a 26 year old semi hipster type should. It may just be my new favorite film. I love Christmas movies and I love Christmas and I love comedy and I love things that are unabashedly sweet and good natured without being mawkish. I fucking loved Elf. I�m glad that movies like that and like School of Rock are being made�funny, intelligent movies that everyone in a family can enjoy instead of the crap Hollywood usually cynically pushes on kids and their parents.

I�ve also seen LOTR: Return of the King twice now and am planning on seeing it several more times. I saw Finding Nemo too, which I fucking adored beyond all reason. I am such a mushy softie when it comes down to it. �Can�t help it and I�m not gonna fight it anymore.

God, I love being home so much. I always gain so much perspective here, and I am so close with my family.

My sister Beth and I are making the Christmas Eve dinner tonight. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, Corn Pudding, Mandarin Oranges and Carrots, Cranberry Bread, Whipped potatoes, asparagus, and apple pie for dessert. We have given my mother strict orders that she is to stay out of the kitchen and relax. I am hoping she complies�we want her to have a break.