It’s Christmas morning and the fireplace is on, presents under the tree, stockings hung by the fire with care (and nails)

I really love our new house.

It’s cozy, and perfect for us.

I’m sitting alone right now. The kids are still in bed while the cats are roaming around, certain something is up and not about to stop searching until they find the answers.

The warmth filling me, even though it is only five in the morning, is far more than what the fireplace can provide.

Right now, at this moment, there is only peace.

The brief, still moment between sleep and awake,

before night gives over to day.

It won’t last, but that is why it feels so precious.

The more rare the jewel, the more one covets it.

Perhaps that’s why friends and family can so often be taken for granted. But this year, I’m counting my blessings instead of presents, overwhelmed by love for each and every one of them. And that, more than anything else, is the true magic of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to everyone. Thank you for being a part of my life.