still hearing the echoes

...of the holidays in the house

the rustle of paper under the tree

the fire crackling and popping (yes, i am too lazy to install hooks on the mantel for stockings....)

young guests playing with mia in the kitchen

getting ready to feed loads of people 

all the foods of the season

i will miss having my kids nearby to hug whenever i want

too soon it's time to say goodbye

mia says goodbye too

and wonders where everybody went

 (but dreams about it with the help of her christmas hedgehog toy)