Northport, Alabama

The snow isn’t falling here, just a cold, biting rain. Nevertheless, Christmas is descending.

The tree is decked out in all its 2,000-light brilliance. The stockings hang from the newly-painted fireplace. Wreaths and ribboned garland greet visitors to our door. Christmas music plays on the stereo, and steaming hot cocoa is poured into Currier and Ives coffee mugs. There are Christmas specials on television, and holiday projects spill onto every surface. Glitter here, ribbons there. The kittens are wild with excitement.

The first Christmas in the new house. There will never be another one like this. And somehow it seems ultra-important. Extra-special. I feel a great responsibility to create the picture perfect holiday. I want everyone to be happy. And somehow I think that if I coat it in enough glitter, the holiday will sparkle as brightly as I want.

I think I’m going to need some more glitter.

Music: Mr. Grinch by Gary Hoey

Words: “Nice” by Jen at jengray.