christmas evening Lysette Stickney, '24 after the wrapping paper has littered our floors and our bright, cheerful faces have become dim and tired after the cookies left out for santa are turned to crumbs and our stomachs feel full and heavy after the boys and girls shoulders slump slightly arms fatigued from clutching their new toys and trinkets after the annual christmas movie has played one too many times and popcorn has nestled itself between couch cushions after green and red has permeated our vision and various ornaments and pine needles start to fall out of our ears after the christmas headache comes to a halt it is time to start cleaning and let the lull of merry music fade into the background it is time to raid our cabinets for one last hot chocolate packet and embrace the fireplace like an old friend it is time to tuck this joyous holiday into bed and yearn for next year