Sometimes, our nest is quite full.

I expect you will find this hard to believe, but I love an empty-nest on Christmas Day. Yes, I know. Those of you who will be surrounded by children in Christmas jammies, mounds of wrapping paper, and squeals of delight doubt my honesty here. Especially if some of those children are my grands.

But picture this: We awaken when we please, not before dawn. We sit in front of our Christmas tree with coffee in hand, watching the fire, listening to the carols, and remembering why we love each other so much. Later in the day, we might connect with people. But the best part of the day will be spent together, just us.

We will remember the Christmases of our childhoods, when snow was taller than the house and bicycles appeared like magic under the tree. And we’ll talk about the times our own house filled with college-age children and several of their friends. Nearly-grown people creeping down the stairs on Christmas morning, hoping they hadn’t outgrown the promise of Santa-filled stockings and presents under the tree.

Before the day is over, we’re sure to watch a Christmas movie. Or two. And we might even hop in the car and go off on a date. It is a different sort of Christmas when the nest is bare of chicks. But the truth is, our nest is never empty. It is as full as our hearts, and it constantly overflows.

I hope yours does, too.