Wrapped in Wonder
A Christmas Eve filled with sweat, sweetness, and my sonshine at the center of it all
Last night, just as I was sinking into a deep sleep, Sage woke up inconsolable around 10ish. Screaming, crying. We couldn’t quite tell what was wrong, only that something wasn’t right. We gave him a little Motrin, some milk, and I held him close. He eventually melted back into sleep in my arms, and I waited until I knew he was fully out before laying him back down and returning to bed myself. Flash forward to this morning, I think our little guy might be getting some molars because he clearly articulated that his mouth was hurting.
Just before I had fallen asleep, I was watching The Preacher’s Wife, a classic I hadn’t seen in years. It was just as good as I remembered. Comforting, familiar, the kind of movie that feels like a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer. The morning came early. I was up and out the door for a 6:30 a.m. workout with my friend, fittingly titled Slay Bells: A Christmas Eve sweat. We absolutely crushed it. Barbells, kettlebells, legs on fire. Tough, challenging, and absolutely worth it. I’m certain tomorrow will involve a wobble walk, maybe even today. On my drive home, I had “Back to the Crib” playing, my favorite Juelz Santana song featuring Chris Brown, and I laughed to myself realizing I mostly only know the hook, even though I’ve listened to it a million times. Sometimes the vibe is all I really need.
When I got home, I was greeted by pure joy. Sage and I made Christmas cookies together while he stood proudly in his toddler tower. We read Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3, a forever favorite, and played with Play-Doh. It continues to teach me how to loosen my grip on perfection. We carved numbers using his little cookie cutters. They weren’t perfect, but they were exactly right. Around 12:30 pm, we started getting ready for our family Christmas Eve gathering at my in-laws. We showered, packed the diaper bag that probably shouldn’t be called that as he doesn’t wear pampers anymore, filled it with snacks and food for Sage, and hopped into our matching pajamas. Before we knew it, we were out the door.
The day unfolded exactly as it should have. Present and merry and full of food, laughter, warmth, and beautiful conversation. It was truly the most wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve. Sage’s bedtime went smoothly later on, and once again, he pooped on the potty after his bath, which felt like a holiday miracle all its own. Writing his note to Santa together was so special. He couldn’t stop reading his numbers book he got from his aunt earlier tonight, asking for it over and over again. When he asked me to tell him a story, I’m pretty sure he fell asleep about a minute in. The room was so dark I couldn’t tell, but I carried on anyway, weaving together Old MacDonald, Ten Red Apples, and some completely made-up fairytale nonsense. I had fun with it. When I came downstairs, I took a moment to connect with a dear friend over FaceTime, and it brought me right back to gratitude. We never know the weight others are carrying. It feels so important to remind one another, while we’re here and still in it together, that we matter.
Now Jimmy and I are downstairs wrapping gifts, putting toys together, listening to Christmas music, with a glowing fireplace and stockings on the TV. Just the two of us, preparing the magic for our sweet sonshine. There’s so much more I could say but I’m going to leave it here. I’m ready to snuggle up with the hubs and get some rest after such an early start to this day. Tomorrow will likely begin just as early.
So if you’re reading this, happy holidays! Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzaa. Or simply, happy season to everyone, everywhere. May joy, laughter, and love find you wherever you are, with whoever you’re with, and even if you’re alone, may the spirit of warmth surround you. I cannot wait to watch my kid open all of his gifts tomorrow. It’s going to be such a glorious day. Ahhhhh I’m so excited!