4 0 2

On Christmas Eve, my sister and I drove around the lakes near my apartment and spied into all the cozy houses with cozy families having cozy holiday parties. And then this morning, we woke up early and took a cab to the airport, ready to fly to a cozy celebration with our own cozy family.

Admittedly, we got a bit of a bumpy start. Less than a block from home, I asked the cabbie to turn around and go back because I forgot something (holiday candy) in the apartment. He complied, I ran, they waited, I hopped back in the cab and we made it to the airport nice and easy.

Here’s a little conversational snapshot of Sister and my morning:

Me: (clutching candy) What’s wrong with you?
Sister: What? Nothing.
Me: Really? You seem crabby.
Sister: I’m not.
Me: Really?
Sister: Uh huh.
Me: You sure?
Sister: Yep.
Me: I think you’re crabby.
Sister: Well, I’m not.

(30-second silence)

Me: So… are you mad?
Sister: No!

Two smooth plane rides, lots of quiet time, two and a half coffees, multiple candy exchanges with airport personnel and some yogurt-covered raisins later, we’re here—awake, smiling and ready for some holiday hugs.

Here’s hoping your day is filled with peace, joy, unconditional love and someone asking if you’re crabby over and over again. It’s the stuff of families.

Sister and me.