a freshly cut Evergreen tree from Maine
the smell of pine
sparkling white lights and red ornaments
the first snowflakes falling on a dark winter night
children padding down the stairs in footie-pajamas
steaming hot cocoa in Santa mugs, crowned with whipped cream and
chocolate shavings
candles
the soft light of night in a warm home
stockings hung on the stairs' banister
the little "o" of a three-year-old's lips when he sees Santa has come
"O Holy Night" at evening mass
beautifully wrapped, colorful gifts beneath the tree with big bows
the smell of cinnamon from baked French toast on Christmas morning
an orange and a quarter always in the toe of my stocking as a child
Photo: The Old Farm Christmas Place, Cape Elizabeth, ME
