Page 74 of The Secret to Belonging

and saffron and cardamom

the twenty-third is called Little Christmas Eve

Bjørn makes julegrøt, a sweet rice porridge

hides a special almond in only one bowl

when you bite and feel the crunch

disappointed Erik presents you

with the coveted marzipan pig

poor piggy is quickly divided and shared

bringing smiles back to all faces

after the children go to bed, the tree is decorated

goodies are hidden to find in the morning

Perry Como croons from the record player

the adults sit cozy by the woodstove

drinking cocoa

telling stories

watching frost become lace on windowpanes

Bjørn adds a log to the fire

Espen holds your hand

Elinor smiles

all is calm

all is bright

you marvel

at traditions grounded in joy

each ritual

an act of familial love

intentional symbols of celebration

intentional creations of happy memories

so different from the eggshells

you danced on back home

intentionally low expectations