Christmas day dawned beautiful and snowy. The storm layering everything in a glorious sparkling blanket of white. The kids, four boys and one girl, all scrambled up the stairs, like a noisy herd of elephants. Their hair is mussed, their eyes are lit with excitement. At the top of the stairs, Dad stopped the kids before they tumbled into the living room.
Dylan and Chris stomped their feet, anxious to get to the laser tag set. Bruce is wanting to get his hands on the model airplane he knew was waiting under the tree for him. Ella, her head twisted just so, spied her precious Cabbage Patch, just waiting to be held. Little Drake waited patiently, not really understanding what was going on, just happy to be a part of the happenings.
Mama tried talking for a quick minute about the real meaning of Christmas, the Savior's birth. But the kids really weren't having it. They were chomping at the bit to get to their presents.
Finally,
Finally, the kids were set FREE!
Shouts
Of
Joy
Squeals
Of
Excitement
Mama and Dad smiled their tired smiles. Sandi Patty played softly on the tape deck in the background. The wrapping paper pile in the middle of the floor got taller and taller. Drake drove his Tonka truck through the pile happily.
The tree lights glistened just so, causing Mama to catch her breath. She knew these moments of her kids being small would pass far too quickly. She closed her eyes, taking in the moment, she could just see her kids grown. Just see grandkids, their pudgy hands reaching for a hug.
The cabin in the woods, sitting on 20 treed acres, seemed to wrap Mama in a hug. The air smelled of cinnamon, the kids, five boys and one girl, laughed and giggled in delight. Mama sighed. She was tired.
So
Very
Tired
But she was grateful. She loved this Christmas cabin. These happy, chaotic moments. The quiet moments. For she knew, all too soon, her brood of children would be grown. She knew, eventually, this cabin in the woods would be quiet and still.
But for now, the cabin was full of noise, of happiness and Christmas magic.
The kids knew this was because of the mama. She was full of magic. Which, in turn, made the cabin the Christmas cabin, if only for a moment.
YOU ARE READING
The Christmas Cabin: A short story
Historia CortaThe Christmas Cabin is a magical place...where snow falls, rascally children play, cookies are baked, and carols are sung. The is the place five children, 4 boys and 1 girl, call home. Come join their world as Christmas approaches.
