A Little Christmas Cheer
A Little Christmas Cheer
Glistening tears dropped in rhythm to "The First Noel" playing on the radio, forming a puddle on the fragile Christmas paper. As Martha struggled to make a proper bow out of the stiff resistant ribbon, she blinked to clear her vision and reluctantly decided that the lopsided bow would have to do. She leaned back and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It was those dreadful 'Noels' that did it to her every time, she thought. By this time in life you'd think such nostalgic nonsense would be too mundane to stir unwanted tears. But was it Noel-nostalgia or the Christmas crunch that had her so emotional?
Her eyes focused on the puddle of tears now fading the bright colour of the paper. In panic, she swiped at the wet paper and it tore off revealing the image of a corn popper on the box. Now she would have to rewrap the gift and she had already spent 20 minutes on it. Her daughter Cathy was due to arrive any minute and the gift was for her so it had to be wrapped.
Martha pushed the box across the table, put her head on her crossed arms and cried a river of holiday tears as the radio belted out "Joy to the World". The irony was not lost on her, it made her cry harder.
At length and at last the news came on and Martha dried her tears and the table. She pulled off the uncooperative ribbon, tore off the ruined paper and began all over again.
The phone rang. It was Cathy. "Mom? You sound funny. Are you okay?" Martha covered automatically, "Just eating too much Christmas candy! Where are you, I thought you'd be here by now. Everything okay?" "Sure Mom, not to worry. Bobby fell and cut his head. Doc Martin's putting in a few stitches or a plaster… or something. Sorry we're late, but we'll be there soon. Bobby can't wait to help trim your tree, but put your fragile ornaments out of reach. Bobby's already broken three of ours!" Martha smiled. "Never fear, they're up on the mantle already. There's more than enough unbreakable ornaments for a three year old to enjoy. See you soon then. Bye!"
Martha shook her head in amusement as she hung up. Cathy took Bobby's enthusiasm and tendency to accidents with calm understanding. With a mother like that, Bobby would grow up well-adjusted.
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