Christmas is here

Our excitement only keeps getting stronger as we stand in the wet, dusty cellar surrounded by boxes.
As we discovered the magnificent Christmas treasure, we searched and sorted while exclaiming in delight.

Dad is not deterred by the ball of Christmas lights and moves out the door with determination.
The time has come for Dad to beautify our front porch, so I watch from the window as he does so.

The sky is the darkest shade of gray, the temperature is subfreezing, and his breath floats in the air.
There is a palpable Christmas joy in the air, and snow is forecast.

As I sit comfortably inside, I observe as my father formulates his strategy for attack.
But I had a gut feeling that I should be by his side, out there shivering.

I put on a snug coat and step out the door since nothing can stop me.
And I could tell he was genuinely pleased I came by his smile and slap on the back.

Dad was a perfectionist, therefore he always knew what to do, and every light in his life had its proper position.
We finished our task as a group, creating priceless memories in the process.

Large snowflakes appeared under an ominous sky, and it seemed like time had simply gone by.
Despite being exhausted and numb to the bone, we were both adamant on finishing the work.

We had barely in time completed our task because as soon as the final light was turned on, total darkness set in.
The aroma of Mom's cooking wafted through the air, and the sense of accomplishment was delicious.

I hurry inside the home right away, shouting for my entire family to join me.
Dad plugs the lights in one at a time, illuminating our world while we watch from the street.

Christmas is without a doubt here, and the splendor of color and sheen fills my heart to the brim.
But the thing I will always remember is spending time with Dad while it was chilly.