The smell of freshly cut pine fills our apartment, creeping down the hallway in curls, hitting us in random pockets. Our nostrils expand, slowly in and slowly out, our eyes shutting in ecstatic holiday joy. Christmas has finally come into my spirit, I thought to myself, as I caught a kiss from my partner under the tree last night.

Our ornaments, shiny and pristine from their eleven month cardboard hibernation, glitter and sparkle in front of brightly colored lights. Hot cocoa is made, the warm milk scented steam drifting off the top of the mug in patterns and waves.

I am alive. I am chilly, my fingertips numb from the cold, but I am happy.