I would give my heart.

Today is my boy's first Christmas. Before anyone else was awake, he and I crept into the living room where the tree was lit up and bright in the dark morning light. Jude turned to me with a huge grin and a squeal and we basked in the glow for a few minutes. I love Christmas. I love being with family. I love reading on Christmas Eve about angelic visitations and women, cousins, suddenly, unexpectedly full of divine life. I love the sweet baby Jesus lying in hay. I love quiet Mary with her hand over her heart and steady Joseph leaning on his staff, watchful. I love singing old english carols around the piano, my father cutting us off at the end of each verse. I love working on impossible puzzles and playing silly games. I love wrapping presents (terribly, by the way). I love it all.

And last night, I couldn't help but listen for the hooves of reindeer on the roof.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.