Christmas in a Box

The realization came slowly and wistfully like snow settling on sturdy branches.

I pulled out the Christmas decorations
and thought one by one
about the things I left behind in Phoenix

 Nativity figurines
Christmas china
Our handmade stockings
 the hanging card holder I love to decorate with photo cards
 the well-thumbed Night Before Christmas book traditionally read on Christmas Eve

Little things familiar and comforting like old friends

There are many things I can survive without but one thing I need to survive
and He does not fit into a box.
Happy Birthday Jesus