Christmas Morning
The house began to stir with the sound of little shuffling feet.
It was still dark as I tried to squint and look at the clock. I realized I must have been dreaming, because the numbers “4:28” were glowing at me in red. Quiet giggles confirmed otherwise.
I listened to the doorknob turning and reached over to pat my husband on the back. Four little bodies beat me to the punch, as they sprang across the room and landed square on top of both of us.
“It’s CHRISTMAS!!! Wake Up! WAKE UP!”
As quickly as they came, they left; racing each other down the stairs, while pulling the backs of the pajamas of anyone who was in front of them.
The three boys and their little sister couldn’t get to the tree fast enough. When they did…there was silence. Mouths dropped and for one harmonious moment – they were awestruck. A rich bouquet of beautiful gifts waited under the glow of the tree.
The same tree that had nothing beneath it the night before, now had colors of red and green that danced across their eyes in reflection.
Suddenly, the trance was broken by one of the boys screaming, “WOW! LOOK! This one’s for ME! LOOK! There’s one for YOU
My husband and I dragged ourselves to my mom and dad’s kitchen in attempts to trick our minds into believing that it was time to wake up. We gave each other a tired smile, as my parents quickly warmed the house with the smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls. As we all returned to the living room, we found the anxiety level reaching ultimate proportions. “Can we start now? Pleeese?
“Yes guys. Open ONE thing at a time! Make sure that everyone gets something, even your little sister!” It was a moot point. Paper began to fly quicker than humanly possible, and their reaction to presents ranged from tossing into a pile from the seated position (pack of t-shirts) to jumping up and down, with an ear-shattering, “THE ONLY THING I EVER WANTED!”
The morning was full of laughter and memories as any Christmas morning should be. However, the true spirit of Christmas is not really about the tree, the stockings, the ribbons or the bows. It is to gather families and friends together to share in love and happiness, remembering the real reason for the day.
Giving thanks for the birth of a Child born to us on that first Christmas is the true meaning of it all.
Regardless of your beliefs, may this day be most wonderful for you and yours, and the beautiful new year to come.
Merry Christmas!
Bea lives in North Carolina with her husband Adam and children Christian (8), Ethan (7), Preston (4) and Lauren Elizabeth (3). Read more amazing stories by Bea at Peanut Butter Hair.
