Life Stories and Beyond

By Lisa Batten Kunkleman

My favorite guest is visiting for the holidays. Each year, our friend hangs out from Thanksgiving until after New Years. There’s a saying that fish and company smell after three days. Not this fellow.  This guy is welcome to stay until he absolutely must leave and he smells great too, by the way. He doesn’t say much but his mere presence comforts me like hot cocoa and marshmallows. Even our animals adore this guest and snuggle up close by. 

No matter what craziness a day holds or how many items remain on the to-do list, at the end of the day, hanging out with my friend in the living room with a fire crackling away in the fireplace, it’s like getting a free massage or relaxation therapy. His quiet presence helps make the Christmas season jolly and bright. Everybody loves him and why not? He lights up the room. 

I usually kick back in the recliner and spend as much time with him as I can. My husband does too but he will head off to bed and leave the two of us up for hours. I hesitate to admit, too often, I fall asleep basking in his delightful glow, and wake up to find him still there, him and his shiny, pleasant demeanor. It’s a good thing my husband isn’t the jealous type. He knows I’ll get over my major crush and be back to normal in the new year.