winter.

   one night i was working at old navy.  it was saturday, cold and slushy.  nathanael picked 
me up for my 1 hour lunch and we drove to milton, for dairy queen.  christmas music was 
playing, an old comforting tune that i found as familiar as home.  the stars were glittery
in the sky, and a light snow was falling lackadasically, as if it couldn't make up its mind 
whether to fall or not.  the smell of fire crackling in the hearth drifted through the 
air vents, and nathanael was holding my hand.  i felt so content and blissfully happy in 
that moment, at peace with myself.  it had been so long since i knew that kind of stillness, 
contentedness, peace.  
   we ate, and he drove me back.  i almost cried going in, so great was my longing to be 
home, warm and safe, snuggled under the covers with my beloved, listening to the slushy 
snow/rain smack against the skylights.  watching the lights of our tiny face tree, sitting 
on our dresser, blinking and sparkling.  how i wanted to be with nathanael, who has given 
me such happiness.  

	we used to bundle up and go to the late showing at carmike cinemas, all winter long.
i remember seeing the chronicles of narnia clearly and how magical the parking lot seemed
after, snow dusting the street and lampposts glowing.  the warmth of the truck melting our 
icy fingers and noses.  going home and cuddling in fuzzy pajamas in front of the tv.

	things that make me love christmas. piles of presents and giftwrap in the corner of 
the room.  santa hats and big bows stuck in my hair.  happy jolly songs that never change, 
no matter how much you have.  a reason to be with family and appreciating the things that 
matter.  christmas lights bedecking every house and tree.  cute sweaters and hats and 
gloves.  buying presents and getting to see their faces light up.