Christmas Arrives

…in her huge carriage, metal couplings and bits of horse’s harness creaking in the cold air.  The doors burst open, because even the minutes are overstuffed.  Her cart is laden with packages and glinting bits of tinsel and out in the night someone is singing a carol, soft and off-key, the way they do.  The whole day ahead is stacked high with responsibilities and gifts and the secret, delicious joy of seeing them as one woven present.