Night had fallen with a blanket of fresh fallen snow on the ground. Everyone was in their beds warm and cozy. Meaningful time had been spent together, dinner was enjoyed with family and gifts had been opened with delight. Christmas day had come and gone and a spirit filled the house with love and peace.
Michaela laid in her husband's arm, listening to the sound of the snow falling. Sully perceived her to be awake and pulled her closer to him.
"Are you all right?" He asked in a comforting tone.
Michaela hummed.
"Yes," she replied, softly.
"Something on your mind?"
For a moment, she remained silent and stroked a hand on his chest.
"Sometimes it… it makes me sad," she said.
"What's that?" He immediately grew concerned.
"When Christmas goes away," came the response.
When Sully made no reply, Michaela realized how childish the statement sounded.
"I know it's-"
"True," Sully said.
Michaela looked up at him. Her soft eyes gazing at his ever loving expression.
"You don't think it sounds…childish?"
Sully shook his head.
"I think when Christmas day is over, it's sad because…we're afraid."
A slight frown grew on her face.
"We're afraid because Christmas is the only time when we don't have to try to be happy," he went on. "Christmas spirit just comes and the rest of the year…it doesn't."
Michaela reached for his hand. As their fingers interlocked, she spoke in a soft voice.
"When Christmas leaves it's almost like…like the magic is gone."
"But it's not," Sully stroked her knuckles.
Again, she looked up at him.
"Magic never really goes," his voice was soothing whisper. "We just have a harder time seeing it."
"Really?" She sounded hopeful.
Sully nodded.
"When Christmas goes it becomes the new year, which becomes spring and summer, then fall and back to winter. And the magic isn't just Christmas magic…it's…" he stopped.
"It's what?" Michaela pressed.
A faint smile formed his lips.
"My ma used to call it God magic," he replied. "He makes the seasons come and go, brings the holidays and the snow and if you constantly keep seeking, you'll find His arms always reaching."
Michaela started at him with awe and love.
"That's beautiful," she said.
Again, he nodded.
"That's what she used to say," he pulled her closer. "Christmas magic is really God… and He's there when we love each other, the kids, friends, strangers."
Michaela rested her head on his strong chest and clasped gently but firmly to his hand.
"Thank you, Sully," a tear trickled down her cheek onto his shirt.
He stroked her face and smiled.
"Don't thank me," he said. "God's the one who made Christmas."
She smiled and reached up to kiss his lips.
"I thank God for you and Christmas," she said.
THE END
MERRY CHRISTMAS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!