The sound of my footsteps
getting louder and louder
as we wait at the pale wooden door.

The sound of my family
overjoyed to see us.
The warmth of the house
filling my body
as we make our way inside

The sound of the fire
crackling as it burns in the fireplace
as I sit on the couch
staring at the snow
glazed over the frozen lake.

The sound of never-ending laughter
coming from the kitchen
as my aunt puts together
Christmas dinner.
The smell of cheesy potatoes,
and ham
engulfing the whole house.

The sound of silverware
slamming the plates
after everyone had just said grace,
about to attack the food
consuming their plates.

The sound of paper
as it is shredded open
by small children
rejoiced about the amount of gifts
they had been given.


But it’s at this moment I realize
I wouldn't have spent their day
Any other way.
With family.