Christmas.

it makes me think of red and green, blue and purple, silver and gold. the smells of holly, mint, and sweet hot chocolate. the taste of thick eggnog, spices of pumpkin chocolate chip bread. every day the tree seems to grow brighter with lights and presents, anticipations high. generosity soars in unforeseen ways; many people's lists of gifts to give are greater than their own desires. no, this is not only the case, but if the story of rudolph is any indication, we as humans like positive stories. front yards and roofs are each their world, staying awake long into the night. pink noses and cheeks, scarves tucked under my chin, shuffling in boots. waking up on Christmas morning, pretending for a split second that santa is real and you just missed him - the bite from the cookie is his, not my dad's. it's snowing love in our hearts, the beating making a pitter patter, easily mistaken for a reindeer. and lacing through every memory is mannheim steamroller, charlie brown, contemporary Christmas, classics. music. the familiar sounds are like a warm blanket next to a fire. the whole season is, actually. sometimes, in my house, it lasts longer than the new year, weaving sugarplums and holiday colors into our dreams.