The cold air resides at the door. Outside

Knocking for acceptance, it yearns to share in the warmth and glad tidings waiting on the other side. Inside

The windowpane, all frost bound and smoldering both inside and out, blinks pure white. Snow laden trees dance with every push of the wind. Silence

The room sits undisturbed and pale except for the red orange embers of the fire, flickering in the early morning light. Remembering last night’s hurried pace, they slumber yet still offer a hearty welcome. Warmth

The air, thick with the scent of pine, drapes itself over everything, while last night’s hot chocolate tingles the nose of every child still dreaming of what awaits. Magic

Colored lights flicker with the slightest movement, while white lights sit erect and steadfast on the windowsill showing the way to would-be travelers seeking respite from the cold night air. Welcome

The floorboards creak as steps are made from upstairs to down. Small puffs of fragrant smoky dust trail far behind and show direction to the eye of a child that lies awake. Waiting

Happy packages lie in silver and red wrappings. Bows grin like the Cheshire Cat waiting to be plucked, pulled, and tossed, in a forgotten heap. The prize inside lovingly placed not so long ago, by hands careful to preserve the thought and love hidden within, and soon to be opened and shared. Revealed

The outside light is brighter, as it chases away the cold and says hello to the crystals of snow on the pane, the flickering lights on the tree, the wrapped packages sitting beneath evergreens, the warm soft glow of the fire, the bounty of ornaments, the eyes of the family gathered, and the glistening of life’s breath as it joins together in this special and magical morning. Love

In a morning made of perfection, a family gathers and love is revealed. Love of the day, a moment, of love eternal. It is a morning more special than those before and those soon to follow. It is a morning filled with family, friends and faith. It is one of Hope, Love and Joy. It is a morning made for you, for me, for everyone. Perfection

By: RJ Heller
© RJ Heller, December 2010 : All rights reserved.