The Moments of Christmas

source

"For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, 

when its mighty Founder was a child Himself."  — Charles Dickens

There are beautiful moments when the spirit of Christmas sneaks up on me, those moments that envelope me in the magic of it all...and today was full of them.

Hugging a bed-head Millie after her nap, and imploring her to look out the window and see the slow falling and blowing.

Turning the channel to A Charlie Brown Christmas, even though the wind was making it fade in and out, because those are the sounds I grew up to every winter.

Baking a huge early-Christmas breakfast of French toast, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit, and muffins, and deciding it's more enough food without the omelets I considered.

Looking down at my expanding belly, and knowing this time next year, I'll have a beautiful six month old baby in my arms.

Keeping the radio set to the station in town that plays nothing but Christmas music.

Being tempted to make gingerbread cookies even though there isn't a guarantee the power will stay on in this blizzard.

Watching the television late at night with only the lights from the tree glowing in the room.

Spending hours on Pinterest searching for a earth shattering Christmas cookie recipe.

Being surprised with gifts for me and for Millie from some of the sweetest blog readers ever. (Thank you.)

Planning secret plans with my dad, borrower of a red suit and white beard, for Santa Claus to magically appear for Millie and bring her presents.

Painting my nails in a overly sparkly glitter polish that is probably 10 years too young for me, but makes me feel dressed up and seasonal despite my sweatpants and fresh-from-the-shower hair.

Tying gift tags onto packages with bows, and feeling giddy with anticipation of when they'll be opened.

Seeing "blizzard warning" flash on the bottom of the tv screen, and relishing in it.

Reminding Millie that the biggest reason to be happy about Christmas is because we get to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

Getting Christmas cards from family and friends- including many of you- and hanging them over doorways.

Realizing that there are somehow even more wondrous mornings than my own 5am wake-ups to rouse parents, drink hot chocolate, read the Christmas story, and open gifts...and they are mornings I'm thankful for having my own daughter to make the same memories with and cherish.

Wishing all of you the merriest Christmas.