Brown sparkling eyes looked across the coffee table in delight. Candies and cookies, all within arm’s reach, called her name. She snuck a peanut butter kiss, and bit into it. The large kiss broke apart, but she didn’t care. She quickly caught the bits and popped them in her mouth. She bobbled off toward the tree, flopped down, and finished her treat.

Her mother caught the whole thing, but instead of scolding her daughter, she just smiled. No harm and, besides, it was Christmas Eve. The little girl sang along with the carols playing on the stereo as she looked over the sparkling lights and the colorful ornaments on the tree. The evening was growing late and the little girl’s eyes grew heavy, but she resisted going to bed.

She curled up on the carpet, already dressed in her pajamas. She tucked an arm under her head as her singing turned to humming. Slowly, she grew silent and her eyes closed. She began to dream of twinkling lights, sprites dancing about, and happiness all around.

Her mom picked up a throw and covered her, letting her sleep there on the floor. She softly stroked her daughter’s curly brown hair and grinned to herself. Christmas peace had fallen over their little household.

She snuck out of bed, kissing him gently as she slid out of his arms. It was Christmas morning, a very special Christmas morning.

She made her way down the hall. The door to the room where the girls slept was slightly ajar. She paused and smiled. She was thrilled they wanted to be here on this holiday. It made their dad so happy, which made her happy.

She walked into the living room and turned on the tree and the lights. It was a winter wonderland. The glow from the soft lights warmed up the room. The gifts they had wrapped together only a few days before were scattered under the tree.

She yawned and stretched, then turned to the kitchen. She set out a small spread for the four of them, and made sure the furry family members weren’t left out. Soon the smells of hot chocolate and sweet rolls filled the house.

The rest of the household woke up and followed their noses. Soft footsteps come down the hall. The rubbing of sleepy eyes was followed by grins and giggles as they filled their plates and settled around the tree.

The youngest was designated to pass out the presents, and soon the living room was littered with wrapping papers and tissues. The girls, well young women really, laughed and looked over their gifts.

Their father sat there, his eyes glistening, his smile so wide, his dimple so deep. He sipped on his drink and relaxed among the glee filling the room.

She looked across the room at him and smiled. She loved it when his face lit up with happiness, as it was this morning. A grin slipped across her lips along with a light blush on her cheeks. It was the Christmas she’d waited for all her life.