Christmas Reflections
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Wrapping paper rustling in the night.
Excited anticipation waiting at the top of the stairs,
kitchen breakfast smells wafting up to us:
bacon, sausage, cinnamon buns.
We tiptoed down the stairs,
our slippers silencing our steps.
Cookies set out for Santa—only crumbs in the morning.
Fireplace crackling—Santa’s in the kitchen!
Afraid of men with beards, I was assured that
Santa Claus was gone.

Shiny blue bicycle.
Silver blue-tinted ball ornament.
The young girl looking back at me
through the ornament’s reflection
was full of joyful smiles.
Surrounded by the rapidly torn wrapping paper—
utter delight.
My fingers swiftly undid the twist ties
so I could stroke the loop braids
of my doll come to life from my favorite books.

Are we there yet? rang from the backseat.
Grandma’s house full of warm laughter.
Wrapped in blankets on the floor
playing the Authors card game
and Monopoly—
the world was clear and bright.