playful innocence far from trappings of gifts and fanfare Christmas will always be for family for showing appreciation of the close-knit everlasting bond that desire to be together that warmth the thoughtfulness the jokes the laughter the feast prepared with love the anticipation the joy and lasting memories Published in my 24-page photo/anthology book ~THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS~ 2023 AP: Honorable Mention 2020 Submitted on February 15, 2020 for contest STRAND NO.680 sponsored by BRIAN STRAND - HONORABLE MENTION