THE MOON ON THE BREAST OF THE NEW FALLEN SNOW
BY DAN MILLER
(originally posted December 27, 2004)
Well, it wasn't exactly 'new fallen snow' we had on Christmas eve around Nashville. It was, instead, newly formed, crunchy ice across lawns and fields.
And I hope you saw the magic.
Around 10:00 or 11:00 Friday night, with the full moon overhead, if you walked across the frozen grass, you probably saw it.
Glistening ice, laced with sparkling diamonds. It was like walking over stars. I don't remember seeing anything quite like it before.... especially on a Christmas eve.
As we walked to our car after gathering with relatives, I kept thinking about the words, "the moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, gave the lustre of midday to objects below."
And as I walked, I kept checking the sky..... for a few magical moments, I forgot about being a grownup and thought -- maybe, just maybe -- I'll see Santa flying overhead.
It was already late, and my six year old was staying up far longer than she should've, and I told her I'd lie in bed with her for a few minutes.
She reminded me that we had forgotten to leave out cookies and milk for Santa. I assured her that her Mother and I would take care of it.
We quietly whispered as much of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" as I could recall -- and then, in silence, we listened for any sound that might be Santa and his team of reindeer.
While we listened, I looked over, and she was asleep.
It's amazing how such a little person can bring so much delight to a big, busy night.
And the words our family had heard earlier in the evening, when a group of carolers stood outside our front door, came to mind..... words about a silent night, and how "all is calm, all is bright".
Christmas morning, it was obvious that Santa had enjoyed the cookies and milk.
This year, as every year, the gifts of the season are so much more than the packages exchanged around the Christmas tree.
It's the little ordinary things that are the real gifts.
I hope that Christmas, or Hanukkah, or whatever you celebrate this time of year, was an enchanting time at your home.
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