SUNRISE IN 2025

My husband Steven and son Alex and I were finishing up dinner when I glanced over at the Christmas tree. It was looking a little bare now that the gifts weren’t under it anymore. “Another Christmas in the books.” I sighed as I ate the last forkful of salad on my plate.

“It was a nice one.” Steven said as he reached over and took a stalk of asparagus from the serving plate, folded it in half, and popped it into his mouth.

“It was.” I agreed as I looked over at Alex. “Any plans for New Year’s Eve this year?”

Alex shook his head. “Not really. I’ve never been big on New Year’s Eve.”

“Me either!” I looked back at Steven. “I know we’ve been to some really nice parties over the years but I think you guys know I’m more of a stay-at-home kind of gal.”

“Seriously?” Steven said with a laugh.

“You don’t like parties?” Alex began to laugh, too.

“Okay. Fine.” I was shaking my head and laughing at myself as I stood up and began stacking the plates. “I think everyone knows I’m not a big party person.”

“Last New Year’s Eve I found you asleep on the couch by ten.” Steven said as he collected up the glasses and came into the kitchen behind me.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” I placed the plates in the sink and turned on the water. “Forcing myself to stay awake just to say Happy New Year at midnight seems silly to me.”

“A lot of people love it.” Alex remarked as he put the forks and knives in the sink.

“Well, I’m not one of them.” I began rinsing the dishes. “The other morning I got up to go to the bathroom and when I got back into bed I couldn’t get back to sleep.”

“I hate when that happens.” Steven said.

“I know! I was wide awake at five AM.” I placed the dishes in the dishwasher. “But, I did get to watch the most beautiful sunrise out our front window while I was drinking my tea. So, that was a plus.”

“That certainly puts a positive spin on getting up early.” Alex agreed and he took the plastic wrap out of the drawer.

“That’s what I’m trying to say. I honestly would rather say good morning to the New Year with a sunrise than say hello at midnight when I’m exhausted.”

“So, is that what you’re going to do this year?” Alex asked as he wrapped the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator. “You’re planning to set your alarm so you can wake up and see the sunrise?”

I began shaking my head. “I never said that.”

Alex looked confused. “Isn’t that what you just said? That you’d rather see the sunrise on New Year’s Day than be up at midnight?”

“I did. But that doesn’t mean I’m setting an alarm.” I dropped the cleaning pod in the dishwasher and turned it on. “If I wake up on my own and see the sunrise that’s fine.” I leaned against the counter crossing my arms. “But if I’m truly being honest my absolute favorite way to celebrate the new year is being able to sleep in.” I went over and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek. “That definitely beats watching the ball drop at midnight or watching any sunrise.”

I looked over to see Steven nodding his head. “I’ve got to agree with you on that one.”