The scent of piñon pine

and the burning Christmas candle

evokes the spirit of every Christmas past.

Bing Crosby’s White Christmas weaves through the excited shrieks and high-pitched voices of little ones.

Sparkling white lights reflect off silver tinsel and reveal keepsake ornaments hung deep inside the tree

whose bristling needles reach out to enfold me.

Home

where iced Peppercockers and warm hugs await.