One day early

It was Christmas eve.  

Mum was very busy making sure the house was all tidy and everything was put away where it belonged.

Mary tried to help by clearing her bedroom and trying to help Joe with his but seeing as he was still only a baby most of the mess had possibly been Mary too.

Mum hovered, mopped, and wiped all of the surfaces.

Soon the house was looking new and shiny.

The Christmas tree was glittering with all of the lights and decorations.

The floor below it was also sparkling with all the shiny wrapping paper over the presents.

Now the house was ready for Santa.

It was getting late, “where is dad?” asked Mary.

“Dad has to work a bit late to make sure the office is closed and all of the work has been done before the end of the day, but don’t worry Dad will be home before bed time.”

Mary was still a bit worried; Mary didn’t want Dad to miss Christmas.

Mary drew some pictures for a bit, read for a bit, played with Joe for a bit but couldn’t stop worrying dad might miss Christmas.

Mum asked Mary to come through to the kitchen to help.

Mary was given the job of finding and putting away the ingredients mum asked for.  Mary didn’t know what Mum was making but didn’t mind because as long as she continued to help mum might give her a taste, mum said it was the cooks treat, and Mary certainly didn’t mind taste testing mums baking.

 Busy stirring and chatting in the Kitchen, they didn’t realize Dad was home, so he surprised them both with a bunch of flowers, and a wee toy for Joe.

“Whats all this?” asked mum shocked and surprised.

“Its just a wee gift for each of you to start the holiday right, and I have another surprise, why don’t we each choose one small gift from under the tree to open now?”

 “But it’s a day early?” said Mary in shock.

“Seeing as we have been very busy all day and making the house all nice and tidy I don’t think Santa would mind if we opened one wee present,” smiled Mum.

They all headed out of the Kitchen and into the living room beside the Christmas tree.

Mary just stood and looked.

“What’s wrong Mary?”

“I don’t know which to choose, they all look so good.”

“I know we are very lucky to have such generous family and friends,” replied Mum with a smile.

“Can I have this instead?”  Requested Mary pulling a candy cane from the tree.

“Of course, replied Mum a little confused.

“I don’t want the presents to get jealous, so I’ll wait till tomorrow, I hope Santa doesn’t mind.”

“I don’t think he’ll mind at all, he’ll just be glad he delivered all of 

©joannehepburn 24/12/2016