Hayter for Dec 18, 2022
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2022 Christmas Short Story
"New Person in charge at Family Christmas”
All characters and events in this story were created by Mark’s imagination. While some of the characters may remind you of someone, it’s merely happenstance.
The Richardson Family’s Christmas of ’88 had a lot going against it. For one thing, it was to be the third year without Grandma. Grandpa passed six years prior and that was a major jolt to everyone. When Grandma died, it was near impossible to salvage any semblance of a family tradition.
The eldest son, Franklin thought it useless to try to continue a Christmas gathering of the family. Aunt Wanda wouldn’t have it. She, suggested that Franklin, being the eldest, should take charge of family gatherings.
“Just tell us what to bring, when to come, and how long to stay.” That was Aunt Wanda’s proposal, one that would soon be followed by several stipulations. Franklin didn’t care who was in charge, just as long as it wasn’t Wanda or him. He loved Wanda as much as any brother could love a crazy sister. Roland and Sheryl seldom offered any suggestions concerning family matters, so they didn’t care who was in charge.
James accepted the job, but only because he didn’t want Wanda involved. Wanda was so pleased that James would be in charge. She was tired of having to do everything, and let everyone know it ”I don’t wanna be in charge of Christmas. Franklin, you’re the patriarch. All you have to keep in mind are these 32 points I’ve listed on my yellow tablet.”
The previous two Christmas gatherings were awkward as all get out. Grandmother Nancy had established a routine that worked perfectly. The family was to show up at 11 and lunch would be served at noon. After the meal, the adults would sit around in the living room while the kiddos went outside playing with stuff. Perfect.
Franklin and his wife Rebecca had the best yard for outdoor play. And their dining room was connected to the kitchen so it made the perfect setting and seating for a meal. It wasn’t Grandma and Grandpa’s house, but it was adequate.
The only other obstacle in the path of Christmas ’88 was that it fell on a Sunday. Every church-going child in America would vote to never have Christmas on a Sunday. The way Christmas works is that you get up, open gifts, and go outside to play. Church didn’t fit anywhere in that scenario.
Franklin and Rebecca’s 10-year-old son, James put up a decent argument for skipping church on Christmas Day. “Daddy, you told me that we don’t know when Jesus was born, so why didn’t the President make Christmas on the fourth Thursday of December? That way it would never fall on a Sunday. Jesus didn’t even want Christmas to fall on a Sunday.”
His father nodded and said, “James, you make a good point, son. But, we must do what we must do.”
James asked, “Who is making us do this, Daddy?”
“Well, son, your grandma would turn over in her grave if we skipped church so you could play with toys. Of course, I imagine she is now beyond being upset over small earthly matters. In fact, when your grandpa was alive, he managed to see past all small matters. He once told me to be careful to never let tradition steal your mind away from God.”
James said, “I don’t know what that means. Why would Grandpa say that?”
“I didn’t know at the time. But now I do, and I get to share it with my son. Years from now, you’ll catch on and share it with your son.”
“Sure, Daddy. Uh, does that mean we’re going to church after we open our presents tomorrow?”
Franklin smiled and said, “Yes it does. And, you will live through this Christmas-on-Sunday experience just like the rest of us. You see, Christmas will fall on a Monday next year… unless this is a leap year. Don’t ask me why, but leap year messes up everything.
James could make little sense out of what his Dad said, but he did feel better about having to go to church in the morning. It has to do with accepting something that you can’t change.
It was about an hour and a half after church when the Richardson Family was gathered around the two tables in Franklin and Rebecca’s kitchen/dining room area. The children were antsy to have their plates filled, but none of the adults had told them to start. Wanda finally stole everyone’s attention by telling Franklin that he needed to say the blessing.
“Right. Time to pray. James, it’s your turn this year to say the Christmas blessing.”
At the moment James was sitting at the kids’ table busy trying to wrestle the Etch-A-Sketch out of his sister Tammy’s grasp. He immediately said, “Crap!”
A nano-second after James said the “C” word, Aunt Wanda yelled the “S” word.
The house got deathly quiet. The next voice belonged to James. He said, “That’s okay, Aunt Wanda. Daddy said Sh+& to me once, too. So, Daddy, if it’s okay, I’m going to say the blessing, so everyone bow your head.
“God thank you for this food and for Jesus’ birthday, even though it wasn’t on Christmas Day. Thank you for the presents we got, even though, Santa Clause didn’t—Never mind. It feels bad that Grandmother and Grandpa still aren’t here. Mother said they’re in a better place than where we are. Please let that be right because they don’t need—Never mind. Thank you for everybody here right now, and I’m sorry for saying the “C” word and making Aunt Wanda say the “S” word. I haven’t been thinking right since before Christmas. But I’m gooder now, so thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.”
The ”Amen” didn’t leave James’ mouth before Rebecca, his Mom, started laughing. Immediately the room turned into the Laugh Boat. As difficult as it might be to believe, Aunt Wanda even started laughing.
It turned out to be the best dining experience the family ever had without Grandma. That evening, Franklin and James were having target practice with James’ new Red Rider BB gun. At one point, James said, “Daddy, uh, I’m sorry that I said that you said the “S” word. I just said it to make Aunt Wanda not feel bad.
“I know that, James. It was a kind thing to do.”
“Daddy, why did everybody laugh at my prayer?”
Franklin grabbed his son and gave him a hug. “James, your prayer was beautiful. I’m sure Jesus loved it. The laughter fest had nothing to do with your prayer. They were tickled about Aunt Wanda saying the ‘S’ word. You know, I love my sister a bunch, but if you haven’t noticed she acts as if she is above us all. So, before slamming you about saying crap, she let out with the “S” word. The “S” word is so much worse than crap. I’m sorry. I meant to call it the C word. I’m a bad example. But, you’ve never heard me say the “S” word, at least not that I’m aware.”
“Oh, so Aunt Wanda showed that she’s not as good as she’s s’posed to be.”
“Well, son, none of us are. But you get the point.”
“I guess. So, Daddy, did you like the socks we got you?”
“Of course, I did. Didn’t I tell you?”
“Yes, sir, but the socks were dumb. Mom let Tammy pick ‘em out.”
“Well, yes, that was dumb. Oh, don’t let your Mother know I said that.”
“I think she knows. She laughed when Tammy handed ‘em to her.”
“Ha! Your mother is a doll!”
Yep, the Christmas of ’88 did much to build up the Family Richardson. They were a bit closer. Aunt Wanda wasn’t nearly as regimented and bossy after that. The woman even developed the semblance of a sense of humor.
The family gatherings depleted somewhat
over the years. The children eventually became parents themselves. Franklin and
Rebecca became grandpa and grandma as did Franklin’s other siblings.
Oh, everyone occasionally gets together.
When they do, it requires some families to travel across state lines to meet.
It sure happens. And, it’s not a bad thing. It’s just different. Everyone will still have memories of better times, and few of them will recall events in the same way. In fact, there’s no telling how many people were there on the Christmas of ’88 who will remember the exact word that Aunt Wanda said that day. People tend to remember things differently. It’s a part of growing up.
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