The Christmas Spirit

I survey the scene of my home from my white plush robe and armchair: the berry lights are lit, the tree decorated, the presents wrapped under the tree. The carpet is vacuumed, the plants are water, the dishes left undone (but I'm not too worried about them). The Winter Songs album is playing with the latest rendition of Frosty the Snowman. I am ready.

And waiting.

On a train travelling through the depths of the London streets, which have just received a dusty of snow, is my brother and his girlfriend. They are headed my direction, my brother just off a transatlantic flight. I can't bring myself to do anything but wait in anticipation. The excitement almost tangible that I don't know how to react to daily life it seems. The last time I was this nervous/excited/dazed was my first wedding day in April: I woke up before the sunrise and needed to laugh to relieve the tension.

But now, now, I cradle the laptop as a distraction device, write to you, and think, well, this is part of the Christmas Spirit isn't: waiting for your loved ones to arrive through whatever the weather, the kitchen a little dirty, and your home warm and open. Sigh.

For Boxing Day - A Day Around

I am a Christmas Pie convert.

For Christmas -- An Unknown Box

For Christmas this year, Alex and I are with her parents and brother. The day is filled with food, tea and the opening of the presents. Many presents filled in the space below, around, and extending beyond the gorgeously decorated Christmas tree! This year, I didn't ask for much, and what I did was useful or random or just plain fun: new clothes, make-up, books. From my own parents, I wanted them to focus on saving up money to come to our wedding in England in April. From Alex, anything she fancied. From her family, anything that made them think of me really. So, I was expecting eccentric, electic gifts--which is what I got, and then there was an unknown box.

There was a box without a tag. It was large, heavy, very box shaped. When I unwrapped it, I let out a cry of joy and lept up to hug Alex's parents: they had gotten me a sewing machine.

Since I moved to England in January, I have wanted a sewing machine. I probably would have purchased one before I left and brought it with me, but the power conversion is different. I said I would save up my wages from my first bar job here, and there were bills to pay instead. Before I left, I learned to quilt, started to make more things of my own. All year I've been dreaming of things to make, finding the perfect fabrics. And now I can put all the dreams into action.

For Wednesday - Mistletoe

At the Christmas Fair, Margaret and Harriet walk along the stalls, eyeing food and trinkets for sale. A girl selling mistletoe tied with red ribbons speaks to them.

Girl: 'Need some mistletoe?'
Margaret: 'We have some already. Thank you.'

Harriet and Margaret walk on to another stall. Margaret begins to ponder.

Margaret: 'Can I have your change?'
Harriet: 'What for?'
Margaret: 'A suprise.'
Harriet: 'I'm paying for a suprise.'
Margaret: 'You'll see.'
Harriet: 'Ok.'
Margaret: 'Now don't turn around.'

Margaret scurries back to the girl, who has a lovely smile and dark hair.

Margaret: 'Excuse. How much is the mistletoe?'
Girl: '1 pound.'
Margaret: 'I'd like one please. I said we have some, but it's at home and we're not there for Christmas.'
Girl: 'Here you go.'

Girl hands mistletoe to Margaret. Margaret pays and smiles.

Margaret: 'Thank you... Happy Christmas!'

Margaret wiggles the mistletoe into her pocket so that her hands cover any trace of it. She spots Harriet on her own walking up ahead on the cobbled streets with her back turned. Margaret scurries up silently and taps Harriet on the shoulder. As Harriet turns around, Margaret pulls the mistletoe out of her pocket and holds it up just above their heads, off kilter a little.

Margaret: 'Happy Christmas.'

Harriet smiles, softly giggling once or twice. She looks up at Margaret and gives her little quick kisses in the cool December air.

Best Christmas Card Yet

Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
is what I should be saying.

However, I for one think that
"shibbang
bim bam
yeehaa"
sounds much better.

What do you reckon?

shibbang bim bam yeehaa it is!