All I Want for Christmas

On the 1st of December, as the first flurries of snow began to fall, little Jane skipped back home from school with her face flushed from the cold. Her cheeks were red, her nose had a tinge of pink, and her eyes sparkled with the excitement that always came with the first day of the month that promised the magic of Christmas.

Once home, she quickly got to her homework, the letters and numbers dancing in front of her eyes as her mind kept drifting to the evening ahead. Every year on this day, her mother, Mary, would bring down the cherished Christmas decorations from the attic, and their home would transform into a winter wonderland.

By the time she finished her homework and enjoyed a cozy tea with her favorite gingerbread cookies, dusk had set in. The golden lights of the town illuminated the white blanket of snow that now covered everything.

Jane was arranging the last of her books when she heard the familiar creaking sound of the attic door. With an excited squeal, she rushed to help her mother. Together, they brought down boxes filled with shiny ornaments, twinkling fairy lights, and the familiar Christmas star that always took the place of pride atop their tree.

As they began decorating, the sweet melody of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” wafted from the radio. Mary smiled, remembering the times she and Joseph had danced to this tune. Jane, humming along, wondered aloud, “Do you think Daddy will be back in time for Christmas, Mommy?”

Mary, her hands full of tinsel, looked at her daughter’s hopeful face. “Your dad promised he’d be home tonight, love. Just in time to help us with the tree lights.”

As the evening wore on, the house was filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon. Just as they were about to place the star on the tree, the front door opened, and in walked Joseph, weary but with a broad smile on his face.

“Daddy!” Jane screamed, running into his arms.

Joseph lifted her up and twirled her around, both of them laughing. “I told you I’d make it, didn’t I?”

After a long embrace and exchange of stories, Joseph had some news. “You know, this will be my last long trip away from home.” He looked at Mary and Jane, his eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. “I got the new job. And guess what? I’ll be home every night!”

Jane jumped with joy while Mary, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged him tight. The sounds of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” played in the background, and it felt like the universe was celebrating with them.

Together, the family placed the star on top of the tree. The warm lights reflected their happiness and the promise of many more joyous Christmases together.