written by Lori Thiessen
This year’s Christmas was very special so I thought I’d share my day with you.
My mom and I spent Christmas Eve’s at my sister’s place; complete with our jim-jams and everything. My mom settled down for her Christmas sleep in the lazy boy and I in the fold-away sofa bed which tends to want to fold-away even if someone is trying to sleep on it.
At 5 am, Mom heard the pitter-patter of my niece and nephew’s feet and their stage whisper: “Santa’s been!”
Showing remarkable restraint for children on Christmas Day morning, they waited until 8 am to see if Grandma and Auntie (that’s me!) was awake. My nephew shone the flashlight in my face and said in a surprised voice, “Oh, they’re still asleep!”. Christmas Day had truly begun.
My sister asked me if I wanted o.j. or coffee. I muttered, “Coffee.” She asked what I would like in my coffee. The choices included such tantalizing offerings as Kahula, Bailey’s, rum, and other delicious but decidedly un-ordinary condiments.
I requested Frangelico. My sister who is the soul of generosity ladled in a hefty helping of the liqueur. The result was that by 9:30 a.m. I was feeling quite… tiddly. It is only once a year.
The day wandered along wonderfully well. A multitude of presents were unwrapped and thoroughly enjoyed. We breakfasted on my sister’s amazing baking powder biscuits, fruit salad and orange juice plus more coffee (however, sans frangelico because some propriety must be maintained).
I decided to have a short, pre-lunch nap. I awoke to my nephew exclaiming, “I can’t believe that Auntie Lori has slept for 3 whole hours!”Apparently, the spiked coffee had more of an effect than I imagined.
My mom and my sister were busy in the kitchen preparing the Christmas dinner. Though I was planning on being an active member of the kitchen squad, I wasn’t. I sucked. Sigh. I did peel some potatoes later on and that made me feel a bit better, but not much.
My brother-in-laws parents arrived for the Christmas feast and we had a marvellous time. The food was delicious, the company very pleasant.
After dinner, my nephew pulled out a book on making hand-puppet shadows he had received from his Nana and Papa. My brother-in-law produced the hand-crank camp light he had been given. The lights were turned off. Darkness was all around us, save for one bright light.
We saw reindeer, bats, alligators and other shadowy creatures on the diningroom wall.
As the peaceful darkness over took us all, my mom and I packed our bags, presents and memories. We thanked my sister and her husband for a truly magical Christmas.
We soon drove out of sight into the long, dark winter night.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful, joyous holiday season!