A Breath Before the Magic

Before the sun rose on Christmas morning, I sat in the hush of our home, wrapped in quiet and gratitude. The tree lights glowed softly in the corner, the kids still asleep, and for a moment, everything felt still. We had made it through RSV, through pink eye. And now, the gifts were wrapped, the playhouse stood ready in the yard, and the matching stockings and pajamas were waiting for their moment.

Any minute, I knew I’d hear the thump of little feet and the voice calling “Mama.” But for now, I held onto the sweetness of anticipation—the breath before the magic—and made myself a cup of coffee.