through the eyes of a child…

Although it has taken me much longer than usual to get into the Christmas spirit this year, here is what finally motivated me to just “do it!”  It is an essay written by my daughter, Marissa, when she was in elementary school. It used to hang in my bedroom but was taken down quite a while ago.  Luckily, I ran across it yesterday, just in time. I hope it warms your heart, it certainly did, mine!

A Christmas Kitchen

    At Christmas time my mom’s kitchen is gorgeous.  There are frequently pots, pans, plates, and food on the counters but it still looks pretty.

    When you first walk in you feel the warmth from the oven. You look up and see miniature cloth people all bundled up on rolling pins or holding cookies.  The smell of cookies baking and beef roasting makes your mouth water.  You better be careful though because there is mistletoe at the entrance.  There is a little Christmas tree with glistening glass fruits and sparkling silver teapots hanging on it.  On the window sill, above the sink, you will see dozens of silver and copper cookie cutters.  You will hear pots banging and timers beeping.

    My mom’s kitchen is the best place in the house at Christmas. I love my mom’s kitchen at Christmas time and I bet you would too.

By Marissa Hopkins
December 1998
11 years old – 4th grade

Thank you for the inspiration, sweet girl.  It is exactly what I needed. Can’t wait to have you and your brother home with me for Christmas! xoxo