SHORT STORY
This is a continuation from last week's story.
It was Christmas Eve. Mama was off work. So, she dedicated her energies to seeing that the home was in order for the next day.Walls were cleaned, windows were given that transparent look, curtains were put in place. The turkey was marinated and ready to be thrown into the oven anytime . All through this, Christmas songs and carols were blaring from the little music set the family had.
Everyone sang along. Some knew all the words and those that didn't made up their own along the way. No one bothered to interrupt each other, even those who were tone deaf. The spirit of the season overrode everything. Knocking down a glass here and there, spilling some water, putting on decorations incorrectly around the Christmas tree evoked no brothers. This is fairyland . This is the most wonderful time of the year for this family.
The turkey was finally thrown into the oven. The smell of the exotic meal wafted through the home-maybe even beyond. The kids were salivating. Mama cautioned them that the prized delicacy would only be touched until the next day. They worked more vigorously, trying to speed up the time when they would attack the treats available on Christmas day. When everything was done and everyone had showered, Mama reminded them that they had one more important task to fulfil. They remembered and got themselves all dressed.
It was now 8pm. Darkness had fully covered the atmosphere. Street lights in the neighborhood competed with a kaleidoscope of Christmas lights on homes, trees, bridges, and walls, and others. Some lights danced, some blinked and others winked. Even Mrs. Gertrude, an octogenarian who lived alone next door, had a sparkle emitting from her home. The curtains from one of her windows were drawn. Two of the kids peered across and noticed she had a tiny Christmas tree with sparsely placed decorations including a little star atop. They smiled and remembered the song "One Little Christmas Tree," by Stevie Wonder. They started to sing, " Oh please Mr Father tree, the tallest of all, I'm so afraid and so alone. Could one little Christmas tree so tiny and small light up someone's home, cause.. One little Christmas tree will light up the world, so those who are lost may find their way. One little Christmas tree can light up the world, so all men may see on Christmas Day." They knew more that their next assignment was critical to them enjoying the season. They were all set, jackets and gloves and hats warmed the bodies of the family. The temperature had gone below 25 degrees. Mama led the family and they were out through the door. They rang the doorbell of their next door neighbor and waited a while. She gradually opened the door. "Merry Christmas!" said the family in unison. The elderly woman's eyes welled up with tears. She wasn't certain what to do next. The matriarch of the family announced that they were there to sing her some Christmas carols. A faint smile followed, and she invited the family to perform. Her white crop of hair turned silvery. The family took out their song books and belted out some of the neighbor's favorites: Here we come a-Caroling; I saw three Ships come Sailing In; Hark the Herald Angels Sing; Silent Night; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Angels we have Heard on High; O Come all Ye Faithful;Joy to the World, and more. The neighbor's tears were now from joy. She thanked the family for the best Christmas present she's had. They returned home.
The next morning the neighborhood was quiet. Mama and her six children awoke around 9pm. Mama wished all of them a Merry Christmas. She turned in the radio. Christmas songs rang out through the airwaves. Her kids ran to the Christmas tree. They unwrapped their gifts and thanked their mother. After they were through Mama stopped them and told them her fortunate they were on that day. She told them that regardless of the price of their presents, they were some kids who got none. Around that same time the song, "Bedtime for Toys" by Stevie Wonder played. One line says, "Bless the child who has no tin soldier, no brass drummer boy to put to bed. He will still go wiser and older, loving one small rag doll instead." They listened , then Mama told them it was time for breakfast. And the rest of the day was beautifully spent. © Wallace Paul December, 2024.
Merry Christmas all.
This is a continuation from last week's story.
It was Christmas Eve. Mama was off work. So, she dedicated her energies to seeing that the home was in order for the next day.Walls were cleaned, windows were given that transparent look, curtains were put in place. The turkey was marinated and ready to be thrown into the oven anytime . All through this, Christmas songs and carols were blaring from the little music set the family had.
Everyone sang along. Some knew all the words and those that didn't made up their own along the way. No one bothered to interrupt each other, even those who were tone deaf. The spirit of the season overrode everything. Knocking down a glass here and there, spilling some water, putting on decorations incorrectly around the Christmas tree evoked no brothers. This is fairyland . This is the most wonderful time of the year for this family.
The turkey was finally thrown into the oven. The smell of the exotic meal wafted through the home-maybe even beyond. The kids were salivating. Mama cautioned them that the prized delicacy would only be touched until the next day. They worked more vigorously, trying to speed up the time when they would attack the treats available on Christmas day. When everything was done and everyone had showered, Mama reminded them that they had one more important task to fulfil. They remembered and got themselves all dressed.
It was now 8pm. Darkness had fully covered the atmosphere. Street lights in the neighborhood competed with a kaleidoscope of Christmas lights on homes, trees, bridges, and walls, and others. Some lights danced, some blinked and others winked. Even Mrs. Gertrude, an octogenarian who lived alone next door, had a sparkle emitting from her home. The curtains from one of her windows were drawn. Two of the kids peered across and noticed she had a tiny Christmas tree with sparsely placed decorations including a little star atop. They smiled and remembered the song "One Little Christmas Tree," by Stevie Wonder. They started to sing, " Oh please Mr Father tree, the tallest of all, I'm so afraid and so alone. Could one little Christmas tree so tiny and small light up someone's home, cause.. One little Christmas tree will light up the world, so those who are lost may find their way. One little Christmas tree can light up the world, so all men may see on Christmas Day." They knew more that their next assignment was critical to them enjoying the season. They were all set, jackets and gloves and hats warmed the bodies of the family. The temperature had gone below 25 degrees. Mama led the family and they were out through the door. They rang the doorbell of their next door neighbor and waited a while. She gradually opened the door. "Merry Christmas!" said the family in unison. The elderly woman's eyes welled up with tears. She wasn't certain what to do next. The matriarch of the family announced that they were there to sing her some Christmas carols. A faint smile followed, and she invited the family to perform. Her white crop of hair turned silvery. The family took out their song books and belted out some of the neighbor's favorites: Here we come a-Caroling; I saw three Ships come Sailing In; Hark the Herald Angels Sing; Silent Night; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Angels we have Heard on High; O Come all Ye Faithful;Joy to the World, and more. The neighbor's tears were now from joy. She thanked the family for the best Christmas present she's had. They returned home.
The next morning the neighborhood was quiet. Mama and her six children awoke around 9pm. Mama wished all of them a Merry Christmas. She turned in the radio. Christmas songs rang out through the airwaves. Her kids ran to the Christmas tree. They unwrapped their gifts and thanked their mother. After they were through Mama stopped them and told them her fortunate they were on that day. She told them that regardless of the price of their presents, they were some kids who got none. Around that same time the song, "Bedtime for Toys" by Stevie Wonder played. One line says, "Bless the child who has no tin soldier, no brass drummer boy to put to bed. He will still go wiser and older, loving one small rag doll instead." They listened , then Mama told them it was time for breakfast. And the rest of the day was beautifully spent. © Wallace Paul December, 2024.
Merry Christmas all.