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The next morning, I woke up to find that it was Christmas Eve, the day we all bake and sing, and just get ready for Christmas Morning. I am excited to see how Janna is this year; last year she was still little. This year she is one, so maybe it will be different.
I stretched and got out of bed, feeling the excitement start to bubble within me. Blu bounded off the bed, ready to start the day with the same enthusiasm he always had. As I made my way downstairs, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree.
Janna was already up, toddling around the living room with her bright eyes wide with wonder. She giggled as she reached out to touch the ornaments, her tiny fingers brushing against the sparkling decorations. Her joy was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched her.
Jaxon was in the kitchen, mixing ingredients with a determined look on his face. He glanced up and grinned when he saw me. "Ready for some baking and singing?" he asked.
"Absolutely," I replied, joining him at the counter. Janna's laughter echoed around us, blending with the hum of holiday music and the warmth of the festive decorations. It truly felt like the most wonderful time of the year.
I found Mommy and Daddy helping as well, it was just what I remember, a beautiful blend of laughter, love, and delectable aromas. Mommy was busy decorating a batch of gingerbread cookies, her skilled hands creating tiny masterpieces of icing and candy. Daddy was at the stove, stirring a pot of hot cocoa, the rich, chocolatey scent filling the room and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Jaxon and I joined in, the kitchen becoming a hive of activity and joy. We sang carols, our voices mingling harmoniously, adding to the magic of the moment. Janna clapped along, her giggles the sweetest music of all.
As we worked together, the house seemed to glow with warmth and happiness. The love we shared was the true gift of the season, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Christmas Eve.
As I helped Mommy with the gingerbread cookies, a question popped into my mind. "Mommy, are Grandpa and Grandma coming over? Or Nana and Papa? I knew they usually did for Christmas Eve."
Mommy paused for a moment, a soft smile on her face. "Yes, sweetheart, they're all coming over this evening. It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without them, would it?"
Hearing this, my excitement grew even more. The thought of our family gathering together, sharing stories and laughter, filled my heart with joy. Christmas Eve was always special, but with everyone under one roof, it felt truly magical.
Blu barked happily, as if sensing the joy in the air. The day was just getting started, and it promised to be filled with love, warmth, and cherished memories.
Just as we were finishing up with the cookies, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the first guests. Janna squealed with delight and toddled towards the door, her little legs moving as fast as they could. Jaxon put down the mixing bowl and wiped his hands on his apron, a grin spreading across his face.
"I'll get it!" he called out, hurrying toward the door. Mommy and Daddy exchanged a knowing glance and continued their work, their movements synchronized in the comfortable rhythm of years spent together.
As Jaxon opened the door, a rush of cold air entered the warm kitchen, followed by the familiar voices of Grandpa and Grandma. Their faces lit up as they saw Janna, who was now clinging to Jaxon's leg, her eyes wide with wonder at the sight of her grandparents.
"There's our little snowflake!" Grandma exclaimed, bending down to scoop Janna into her arms. "My, how you've grown!"
Grandpa followed behind, carrying a large basket filled with presents and treats. "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!" he boomed, his laughter echoing through the house.
I laughed at Grandpa Rocky, he was trying to be Santa but I knew it was really him. His jovial attempt at impersonating Santa was both endearing and amusing. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he placed the basket down and gave me a wink. "Have you been good this year?" he asked, his voice booming in playful seriousness.
I giggled and nodded. "Of course, Grandpa!" I replied, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a cozy blanket.
Just then, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was Nana and Papa. Nana's eyes sparkled with joy as she embraced us all, and Papa, with his gentle demeanor, handed out his meticulously wrapped gifts.
The living room soon became a scene of joyous chaos, with wrapping paper flying, laughter echoing, and the scent of freshly baked cookies filling the air. We all gathered around the fireplace, where Daddy lit the fire, its flames dancing merrily.
As stories were shared and memories recounted, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for these moments. The love, the laughter, and the togetherness made Christmas Eve truly magical. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, and the only thing that mattered was the warmth of family.
Blu curled up by the fire, content and sleepy, while Janna dozed off in Grandma's lap. The evening was drawing to a close, but the memories we created would last a lifetime. With hearts full and spirits high, we knew this Christmas Eve would be one we would cherish forever.
As the excitement began to wind down and the cozy warmth of the fire made everyone feel drowsy, I turned to Mommy with a hopeful look in my eyes. "Mommy, before we go to bed, do we get to open one present?" I asked softly, my voice tinged with anticipation.
Mommy smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with the same joy that filled the room. She glanced at Daddy, who nodded in agreement. "Of course, sweetheart," she said, gently taking my hand and leading me to the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
The lights twinkled like stars, casting a magical glow over the room. She picked a small, brightly wrapped gift from under the tree and handed it to me. "This one is just for you," she whispered, her voice filled with love.
I knew it was pyjamas—it always was—but I loved wearing my Christmas pyjamas to bed. There was something incredibly comforting about slipping into those festive, cozy pyjamas, knowing that the magic of Christmas was just beginning.
I carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a pair of red and green pyjamas adorned with little reindeer and snowflakes. "Thank you, Mommy," I said, beaming with happiness. She helped me put them on, and I felt wrapped in a warm hug as the soft fabric enveloped me.
Mommy and Daddy tucked me into bed, the promise of Christmas morning twinkling in my dreams. As I drifted off to sleep, the gentle murmur of their voices and the soft crackle of the fireplace filled the room with a soothing lullaby. I knew that the next day would be filled with more joy, more laughter, and more love. Christmas Eve had set the perfect stage for a magical Christmas Day.
I hugged and kissed everyone as Daddy carried me to bed and Mommy took Janna. I think having Jaxon here this year made it more special. His laughter and the way he joined in our traditions added new layers of joy to our celebration. As I lay in bed, my heart swelled with happiness, knowing that our family, with each passing year, grew richer in love and memories. With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes, ready to dream of all the wonders that tomorrow would bring.