Lily snuggled deeper under her rainbow blanket. Outside, the wind whispered secrets to the snow, but inside, Lily’s room glowed with the warm, twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. It was Christmas Eve, and as the song went, “It’s a cold night on Christmas Eve, and all the world’s asleep.” Well, almost asleep. Lily had been awake since three AM!
“I’ve been up since three AM,” she hummed softly, “Staring at the Christmas tree.” The colorful bulbs shimmered like tiny jewels, each one reflecting a different memory. There was the red one, reminding her of the candy canes she’d helped decorate. The blue one sparkled like the winter sky. And the green one… well, the green one smelled faintly of pine needles and Christmas magic.
“The lights are bright,” Lily sang, her voice a tiny whisper, “My worries are small.” She’d been a little worried about whether Santa would find their house in the swirling snow, but now, looking at the twinkling tree, those worries seemed to melt away like snowflakes on a warm mitten. “And I don’t want to leave the comfort of my blanket.” Her rainbow blanket was the softest, cuddliest thing in the world.
Suddenly, a tiny tinkle sound drifted from the living room. Lily’s “big-wide eyes” grew even wider. “And I should be asleep,” she thought, “but…Santa’s been here!” She knew she should stay in bed, but the excitement bubbling inside her was like a fizzy Christmas punch. “I wonder what he’s left for me!”
“I can’t sleep,” Lily whispered, “I’m counting sheep.” She tried to picture fluffy white sheep jumping over a fence, but all she could see were dancing Christmas lights. “There’s no hope for me!” She giggled softly. It was no use. Sleep was a distant dream.
So, Lily did what any excited little girl would do. She tiptoed out of bed and peeked into the living room. And there it was! A mountain of presents nestled under the brightly lit tree. A shiny red bicycle leaned against the wall. And a stocking overflowing with goodies hung from the fireplace.
Lily’s heart did a little Christmas jig. She knew she should wait until morning, but the magic of Christmas Eve was too strong. She snuggled back into her rainbow blanket, humming her favorite Christmas song. “It’s Christmas Eve,” she sang softly, “I’ve been up since three AM… It’s Christmas Eve!” And even though she was still wide awake, a happy, peaceful feeling settled over her. It was Christmas Eve, and everything was perfect.
Coffee & a Playlist 