Christmas morning, NYC, 2025. Our first year just the two of us. I went to bed misty eyed after reading the same book, The Little Red Sleigh, for the 5th year in a row to James. The message about bringing joy to those around you never fails to mystify me. How something so simple and so pure is one of the deepest truths. I cleaned up the kitchen, sprinkles and dried icing covering every counter top and square inch. I see the notes to Santa, make sure everything is set, and wake up to James excited beyond belief. There’s barely a moment to make coffee before he digs in. We opened gifts, made breakfast, and iced cookies for our friends. I laughed as he won a round of Pretty Pretty Princess, a gift I asked for at the last minute and miraculously came in time. He tells me with tears in his eyes that he got everything he wanted for Christmas this year, and I realize now so did I. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🩷