Candle wax, tree needles, empty boxes

Well, the hustle and bustle is over. We were able to find the famous XBOX 360 Premium additon two days before Christmas. My daughter was delighted with her choices for my stocking and the keyring she made for me. My son was in total shock over the XBOX under the tree. I think my husband liked his Moore County history book. My favorite present of all? Memories. Time spent sitting on our new furniture. Laughing. Talking. Watching movies with our daughter. Football with our son. Enjoying our beautiful tree and lights. Eating around the table with the golden candles lit. Listening to stories. Repeating words for Bo who can't hear too well. Using my momma's Christmas dishes again. Staying up late, then snuggling in the bed before sleep. Sleeping late. Being together, once again, for another holiday season. Saying thank-you to the Jesus we know and love. Seeing the star that the wisemen followed that night. Feeling the cold wind and rain on our faces. Eating Christmas Eve at the Waffle House and realizing how fortunate we are. Soon, I will box up the Christmas houses, carry out the tree, vacuum endless needles from the tree, take out the empty boxes, but I will carry with me the joy of being alive, spending time with the ones I love and realize these are the greatest gifts of all everyday. I will not place my love and committment in the attic, these are never boxed up.