Essence Of The Season

I watch them awake from their slumber, the desire to sleep eclipsed by their excitement. Groggily mumbling the words “Merry Christmas” as they throw their arms around my neck.

Leaping to the ground rushing towards their bedroom door. They yank their decorative Santa hats from the top of the banister stairs. First checking the label for their names that they inscribed years before.

Hopping down the stairs elated by the anticipation of what Santa left under the tree. As they count to three in a race to rip open the first present they giggle and chuckle, their smiles beaming through.

Laughter fills the room as the flames in the fireplace roar on. The carpet now a mosaic made of pieces of coloured wrapping paper.

The sun starts to rise as the essence of the season is unraveled like the bows that are untied.

With each passing moment and laughter, childhood so effortlessly slips by.