I may not have gotten the electric bike I needed.

I didn't receive the 6-inch growth spurt I wanted.  

I have not gotten an older sister like I’d hoped yet.

I'm certainly not my coach's favorite, nor my teachers'. 

And I can kiss the idea of a New York trip goodbye.

But you know what I have instead?

A mother who walked me to school each day since kindergarten,

a height perfect for playing basketball with my cousins,

a brother who always manages to stretch my smile out a mile long,

a family that embraced me tight from the moment I was born,

and a warm home that heals my soul of the icy anguish out in the world.
 

The spirit of the holidays rings a gratifying tune

to those who understand the true meaning of contentment,

on the snowy morning of Christmas.