Christmas 2012: It’s a Tuesday and a light frosting of snow
covers the city, creating the picture perfect landscape the way black and white
musicals always depicted Christmas.
The children arise an hour before sunrise and excitedly
review the treasures under the tree, patiently waiting approval for their
imminent onslaught of the wrapping paper. The Christmas lights on the tree shine only half
as brightly as our children’s eyes and as a coffee and tea is respectively made
for Daddy and Mommy, the go ahead is granted and son and daughter unwrap their
presents with sounds of joy. Our
daughter happily hugs a doll and she says she loves her; she had wanted a “sister”
for her other beloved doll. Our son excitedly exclaims “HOT WHEELS” with every
car inspired toy he receives. The cat
and kittens wisely keep their distance despite their natural curiosity until
the pandemonium subsides and the colorful wrapping can be examined more closely
by their feline eyes.
Such peace and wonder seems almost too perfect to be real. It recalls Christmases past when I as a child
ran downstairs with my siblings in wondrous elation and discovery. In the peace and contentment that follows, I quickly
draw a little sketch to capture this Christmas.
The drawing has flaws; I can see the imperfections in the muted water
color and in the not so straight lines.
While it dries, I begin to write for I do not wish to lose this moment
in time. While at the computer I look
out the window to find my neighbor’s son who’s visiting from out of state is shoveling
our walkway. I stop to wish him a Merry
Christmas and give our present to his folks to him.
Egg Nog can be shared for breakfast this one day a year and
my son says, “Egg Nog please” so I pour two small cups for both children. My
daughter returns to her Candyland game with the kitten and my son returns to
his racetrack. My wife curls up in bed for a well deserved nap.
I want to say something profound, some phrase or moral to
end this vignette but nothing I can think of can top the beauty of simply
describing the day.
So I’m left with simply saying I am grateful for the opportunity
of this day.
I say “Thank you” to
God and “Merry Christmas to one and all”.
Christmas in Torrington 2012
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