holidays;

in the breath of winter's chill
comes the spicy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg
with a hint of sugary sweetness

the overhead of clouds
grey with the promise of frozen rain
cascading down as artistic designs
to land gently upon rosy cheeks

the twinkling of the stars
mimicking the lights
on christmas trees
cluttered beneath the branches
brightly wrapped presents
waiting for the brilliant smiles
upon those who open them

and most of all
with the coming of the end of the year
there shines the beginning of new times to come
of dinners around the family table
where laughter and smiles are contagious
where people love and are loved

as is the beauty of the holidays.