Christmas Morning, Before the Wrapping Paper Storm

Before the ribbons fly.

Before the bows pile up in corners.

Before the house fills with noise, laughter, and the soft exhaustion that follows a full day of togetherness.

This was our Christmas morning.

Just the three of us, moving slowly, savoring the quiet while we still could. Someone next door catching his last few moments of peaceful sleep. Me tucked in with yarn, trying to steal a pocket of calm before the day truly began. And Penelope… sensing everything.

She hadn’t quite realized Santa Paws had been here yet — but she knew something was different. You can see it in the photos: the curiosity, the investigation, the barely-contained excitement. Those wide eyes. That unmistakable lip lick when the truth finally started to sink in.

There’s something really special about having these moments at our own pace. Knowing that, somewhere off in the distance, friends and family had already been awake since 5am — paper flying, bows everywhere, joyful chaos in full swing — while we were still wrapped in stillness.

Once the paper settles, that’s when we gear up for our turn. Round two. A slightly calmer version of gift opening, shared with friends, laughter replacing the quiet. It’s a rhythm I’ve grown to love: calm first, celebration second.

A balance of energy.

A little space for the soul.

And yes — Penelope very much enjoyed herself.

Thank you for being here with me in these quieter moments. This is the part of the season that doesn’t always make it to social media, but it’s one I treasure deeply.