I wake to a loud house.
My three-year-old nephew is with us for the holidays, and he’s excited. His parents are also here, trying to keep him from bouncing off the walls. There are stockings to go through before opening any presents, and he’s understandably impatient.
It’s Christmas morning.
I grab a cup of coffee and get ready for what the morning brings. It’s an unseasonably warm late December and, finally, the holiday spirit has taken hold. Better now than never.
I hope you’re having a great day so far, or had one if you’re reading this after the fact. I know I’m posting this after Christmas, but time is a flat circle.
There aren’t usually wide-eyed children exploding with anticipation in this house anymore, which is a touch sad. There are still stockings hung by the fireplace, a twinkling tree (actually several), and the feeling of “the calm before the storm.” However, there is a wonderful feeling of family.
There aren’t a lot of Christmas traditions in this family. We don’t open everything all at once and luxuriate in the carnage of torn wrapping, ribbons, and tape. We go through our stockings first to see what Santa brought, then open presents. It’s a joyous occasion, and we do what we want.
My nephew tears through his presents, immediately wanting to open the boxes and play. Unfortunately for him, his parents are heading to church and then to the grandparents’ house. He doesn’t get any say in the matter. The only bonus is that I’m sure more presents await him there.
Once they take their leave and head out for the rest of their Christmas day, we all take a moment to let the aftermath of the Christmas chaos settle before gathering wrapping paper, bows, boxes, and ribbon for either the trash or next year’s presents.
In the kitchen, cinnamon rolls are coming out for breakfast. It’s not really a Christmas morning tradition, but I like that it’s just for us. It feels right.
After the presents are piled up and clothes tried on… after the kids have headed out to go to their other family Christmases… after watching a movie or two and maybe taking a nap… I will give thanks for the warmth and light, for family together again, and for being reminded of how blessed my family truly is on this day and all the others as well.
Be kind, be happy, and be at peace this Christmas.
Be seeing you.
