Sunday Citar ~ Christmas

“Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.”
~Augusta E. Rundel

The house is comfortably disheveled and has settled into a quiet lull, save the background noise coming from the TV of this year's marathon series Chris and I have been watching and a fire snapping and crackling behind us while a countertop of snacks and treats entices us from the kitchen.

Today we created memories, and I'm soaking it all in.

Beginning the day with a girl completely aware and excited about every moment that was unfolding around her, whispering through a smile in the dark of our cozy room that it was time to open presents. Yet, before even looking at her gifts, nothing excited her more than handing me a present handpicked by her... from the gift itself to the wedding-inspired wrapping paper of which I have to agree with her words, "It was so pretty."

And yes, she went through about five outfit changes today.

And then tonight, oh tonight, somebody just pinch me.

I laughed through tears as I sidled my girl next to me and we talked about our favorite parts of the day. After rattling off her list, she concluded with a cheery and my other favorite is you scratching my back right now. And so I did, after she added it to her list of favorites, how could I not oblige... and laugh that contagious laugh where we both end up with sore cheeks?

When I just couldn't laugh anymore, I hugged her tighter and breathed it all in. I whispered in the dark of her room that my favorites were all the right now moments with her, and how much I loved cuddling her, knowing that someday I would look back and wish I could be right here, right now in this moment. She looked back at me with those big hazel eyes and in her profound, four-year-old wisdom said, "What?"

Memories, baby.

Our Christmas card this year.